Jonesboro junior defensive end Jashaud Stewart became the third in-state prospect in his class to receive an offer from the University of Arkansas on Friday.
Stewart, 6-2, 218 pounds, recorded 89 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 10 quarterback hurries, an interception, a forced fumble and a recovered fumble this season.
Defensive ends coach Steve Caldwell called Hurricane Coach Randy Coleman and got Stewart on the phone to tell him about the offer.
"He told me he liked my film and wanted to get me up there for a junior day in January," Stewart said. "I was really excited and I was shivering. I really didn't know what to say besides 'thank you' for giving me the opportunity to play for Arkansas."
Coleman has called Stewart' a "freak" while also praising his character.
"Jashaud is a special kid," Coleman said. "The talent jumps off the screen when you watch his highlight. But what you don't see is what kind of kid he is. He's so coachable. He's a great teammate. He's a leader."
Stewart is expected to grow more.
"I think his potential is possibly a defensive end or a linebacker," Coleman said. "I do know this, he is one explosive, physical and impactful football player. So, for us, I don't care what his position title is ... it should be just a nasty playmaker."
The Arkansas offer likely will be followed by others.
"I think it's going to open up other opportunities for other schools to offer me," he said.
Stewart, who's also drawing interest from Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Memphis, plans to take his time before making a decision.
"I'm going to take my time and just think about it, and just focus on my senior season," Stewart said.
The word violent comes to mind while watching Stewart's highlight video. His explosiveness off the ball helps him dominate at the point of attack, and his suddenness allows him to be a very violent tackler.
"My mentality is to really go hard every play and give everything I got for my teammates," Stewart said. "You can't take plays off and make it to a state championship."
Email Richard Davenport at rdavenport@arkansasonline.com
Sports on 12/02/2018