Oregon Ducks wide receiver Evan Stewart celebrates a long reception as the No. 3 Oregon Ducks host the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore.
Evan Stewart’s path to this moment was anything but straightforward.
For much of his career, Stewart has been an enigma — a lethal receiver who radiates talent and has frequently drawn comparisons to NFL all-pros. But, to date, his production hadn’t quite matched that reputation.
A former five-star recruit who was heralded as the gem of Texas A&M’s vaunted 2021 No. 1 overall signing class, Stewart dealt with both injuries and persistent frustrations during two stop-and-start seasons in College Station.
So, last offseason, the same 6-foot speedster who was supposed to be the Aggies’ own version of Odell Beckham Jr. sought something less lucrative: An opportunity to compete for a national title, even if it came at the expense of individual accolades.
“I was really just trying to play my role,” Stewart said. “Because at A&M, we never really got to win as much.”
On Saturday, Stewart got proof of concept as he erupted for a career-best performance to help lead the No. 3 Oregon Ducks to a thrilling 32-31 win over No. 2 Ohio State at Autzen Stadium.
Stewart caught seven passes for a game-high 149 yards and a touchdown. His big game came against a vaunted Ohio State secondary that, prior to this week, had not surrendered a completion longer than 30 yards all season.
“I’m proud of him, man,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning said. “And maybe more proud that, up until this moment, there’s been moments where Evan has been able to break out. And then there’s been moments where maybe the ball didn’t get to him or fall his way. But you never once hear Evan say anything about that. He knew when his opportunity came that he would take advantage of it. And he…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/evan-stewart-emerged-game-wrecker-110621443.html
Author : Statesman Journal
Publish date : 2024-10-13 11:06:21
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
