Brentwood star DE commits to Memphis
James Stewart, the No. 31 college football prospect in Tennessee for the Class of 2021, has committed to Memphis.
Stewart, a Brentwood Academy senior, is the 67th-best defensive end in the country, according to the 247Sports Composite. The 6foot-1, 244-pound athlete announced his decision on Twitter.
Stewart, a three-star prospect, is the fourth-highest recruit among Memphis’ seven commitments for the Class of 2021. He said he chose Memphis over Kentucky. Stewart said the Wildcats were high on his list until defensive line coach Derrick Leblanc left to take the same position at Arkansas.
“I like the coaches (at Memphis)
and I like the fact that I already know some of the players,” Stewart said. “I feel like I can relate to them.
“It’s also big-time football and close to home.”
Stewart said Memphis’ success in recent years was also a positive in choosing the Tigers. Memphis went 12-2 in 2019. Former assistant Ryan Silverfield was promoted to head coach after Mike Norvell left to take over at Florida State.
“Coach Silverfield has been there for a long time,” Stewart said. “He’s inheriting the success that they’ve had. He’s been in the system and knows how it works. I think he’s going to do a great job.”
Stewart had 37 total tackles for the Eagles in 2019. He had nine tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He also was an offensive lineman for Brentwood Academy.