Top 2022 DE Stewart Says LSU, Georgia Rising Up List

Winning is still critical to top college football recruits and class of 2022 defensive end prospect Shemar Stewart details why with SI All-American.

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. -- One of the top prospects in America's college football recruiting class of 2022, Shemar Stewart was hard to miss early on at the Under Armour All-America Camp in Miami over the weekend. 

He stands a legitimate 6-foot-4, or more, 230 pounds with great length for a prospect just halfway through his high school football career. The rising junior defensive end backed it up in drills and during one-on-ones thereafter, flashing the potential that has his scholarship offer list among the best in the country for his class. 

The south Floridian is fully focused on football after splitting his time with basketball over the last several months. 

"During the season I was 240 (pounds)," he told SI All-American of his frame. "I trimmed down because of basketball. I'm 230 now so I can play defensive end or anything."

Stewart's pass rushing ability and versatility has national contenders after him at an early age. In January, he said the recruiting approaches from "Oregon, Penn State and Florida" commanded his attention. Now he says two SEC powers are climbing onto that list. 

"LSU, Georgia," he said. "I like their culture, they like to win. It's simple.

"It's a top group, not officially a top five."

2022 DE @ShemarStewart14 has flashed all day at #UAALLAMERICA Miami pic.twitter.com/1mAxqIOft8

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The two-sport standout isn't well traveled as a recruit just yet, but trips to Baton Rouge and Athens are likely at some point moving forward.

"Sometime this spring, it will happen soon," Stewart said. 

Florida hosted him for its massive junior day on Saturday and he was sporting a pair of UF wrist bands while competing against south Florida's best on Sunday. 

"I went up there, it was good," he said. "We hung out, took pictures and stuff. They just told me to keep working. Their pitch is different, just a little bit. 

"They go more in depth with it, with the position coach, Coach (David) Turner. Like what he is going to use me for, inside and out, even dropping back."

Not every program is courting Stewart like Florida and the rest of his early top five is, however. He is still hoping to fill out that gaudy scholarship offer list with more recent national champions and beyond. 

"Clemson, Auburn, Alabama," he said of which options he would like to soon add.  

Stewart, who notched 15 sacks for Opa Locka (Fla.) Monsignor Pace over just 10 games played in 2019, says he is not expecting to make a decision as an underclassman prospect. In fact, he hinted at a decision much later in the game. Maybe late next year.

 "Signing Day, December (2021)," he said.

Brian Smith contributed to this report.

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