‘South Carolina is a good place’ for NC receiver commit, but he won’t sign this week
From injuries to little team success on the field, Da’Qon Stewart’s senior season didn’t go as planned.
The North Mecklenburg High receiver hopes to finish on a strong note at this week’s Shrine Bowl. Practice for Saturday’s all-star game began Monday for some of the top prospects from North and South Carolina.
Stewart, a receiver, missed four games this season from a variety of injuries. He also played one game at quarterback when North Meck’s starter went out.
As a result, Stewart’s numbers were a bit down. He had 20 catches for 250 yards and a touchdown and also returned a kickoff back for a score. North Meck finished the year at 1-9.
“It was frustrating and a learning experience for me,” Stewart said of his senior year. “This is a big week for me, coming out having fun, meeting new friends,” Stewart said after Monday’s first practice. “I just want to come out, work hard and get better.”
Stewart committed to USC in January and said he remains firm in his commitment to USC, though he won’t sign Wednesday during the first day of the early signing period for football. He joins Hammond defensive lineman Alex Huntley in being committed to South Carolina but not signing this week.
The 6-foot-2 Stewart was wearing Gamecock gloves during practice Monday.
“South Carolina is a good place for me and I love it. I will just wait til February,” Stewart said.
In October, Stewart talked about his love of Muschamp and the USC’s program and his desire to shut down his recruiting.
“It’s just like a family feeling there,” he told the Charlotte Observer. “I took my first visit there and it felt like home. It’s an hour and 30 away from my mom and my family. That’s why I committed there. I chose them over Louisville and Georgia Tech ... but my recruiting could’ve blown up, but I felt like I wanted to get it out of the way. I could’ve had all of the bigger schools like LSU and Georgia and Florida State, Florida, but I wanted to commit to the Gamecocks. I believe in (South Carolina coach Will) Muschamp.”
As of now, Stewart said he plans on no other visits but is getting interest from Louisville, Georgia Tech, Missouri and Tennessee. He is one of three receivers committed in the Class of 2020, with South Carolina still showing interest in Northwestern’s Geri-Cari Caldwell.
Stewart said he’s been in contact with Gamecocks coach Will Muschamp and receivers coach Bryan McClendon, who was by the school last week. He hasn’t spoken with Mike Bobo, who was officially introduced as USC’s new offensive coordinator Monday.
“I feel like that is the change that is needed and it is going to be great for South Carolina,” Stewart said. “They came off a pretty rough year but we got the pieces to be one of the best classes and be one of the best teams in the nation. With coach Bobo, that is the best thing for us.”
This story was originally published December 16, 2019 at 3:55 PM.
