The word "violent" comes to mind when watching the highlight video of Jonesboro junior defensive end Jashaud Stewart.
Searcy Coach Mark Kelley was impressed with Stewart after his 10 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 2 sacks and forced fumble performance in the Hurricanes' 41-17 victory over the Lions.
“That guy was really really good,” Kelley said. “We couldn’t block him at all. He might be the best D-lineman we have seen this year.”
Stewart (6-2, 225 pounds) has recorded 44 unassisted tackles, 18 assisted tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 2 recovered fumbles in seven games this season.
“He is a freak,” Jonesboro Coach Randy Coleman said. “The thing that’s great about Jashaud, he only knows one speed and it’s full, flat-out. You taking about dropping a hammer. That’s the way he plays.”
He’s relatively an unknown because of limited playing time as a sophomore, but he's starting to get noticed. Arkansas is aware of Stewart and Memphis is expected to visit the school today.
Coleman said Stewart passes the eye test.
“When you looked at him in the spring, he’s pretty and he’s all cut up,” Coleman said. “He’s a good-looking kid.”
Stewart played running back in junior high school before being moved to the defensive line in high school.
“He’s probably a 4.7 or 4.8 guy,” Coleman said of his time in the 40-yard dash.
Despite being a junior, Coleman calls Stewart the leader of the team.
“He’s our leader, there’s no question about it,” Coleman said. “It’s doesn't matter if it’s sophomore, junior or senior. He is our leader. He’s always positive and always full speed. He makes plays. He’s always encouraging.”
Colleges coaches look closely at prospects and their social media activity. Coleman said there are nothing but positive words on Stewart’s Twitter account.
“Everything he tweets is positive, it’s encouraging, motivating,” Coleman said. “He’s a good one.”
Coleman thought last year Stewart’s height might limit his college options, but after seeing him dominate this season he now believes he can play at the highest level because of "the production, the violence, the speed he plays with,” Coleman said.