It is 'hard to put a ceiling' on new On3 No. 1 overall prospect Dylan Stewart

The relationship between Washington (D.C.) Friendship Collegiate Academy five-star EDGE Dylan Stewart and Friendship Collegiate Academy head coach Michael Hunter goes back a long time. Hunter has known Stewart since he was in pre-kindergarten and watched his football career blossom.

During Stewart’s eighth grade year, Hunter realized that he could be different on the field. His prediction was right, as Stewart is the new No. 1 overall prospect in the 2024 On300.

“When I first met him, I was probably an inch taller than him,” Hunter told On3. “The year after, he was an inch taller than me and then, he just kept growing. It was like, ‘Wow, this kid is gonna be special if he continues to grow and maintain that athleticism,’ which he’s been able to do.”

Stewart’s explosiveness and “his ability to bend” are key assets of his game, according to Hunter. Having a 6-foot-5, 235-pound frame helps as well.

If Stewart was 6-foot-0, Hunter believes he could be a very talented wide receiver or defensive back. But since Stewart is a 6-foot-5 pass rusher who moves like skill players, Hunter shared that “makes him even more special.”

“It’s kind of hard to put a ceiling on him,” Hunter said. “Just the growth I’ve seen over the past two years, if he continues that growth, I think he has a chance to be one of the best, if not the best, player we’ve ever had come out of here.”

Hunter believes that Stewart will continue to improve

Hunter’s praise of Stewart is very high, as multiple Friendship Collegiate Academy players have spent time in the NFL, including Yannick Ngakoue, Eddie Goldman and Teez Tabor. Star Maryland wide receiver Dontay Demus Jr. also played high school football for Hunter’s program.

When asked how Stewart can improve, Hunter believes he can gain a better understanding of the game, which comes with more on-field experience. However, the coach knows that Stewart — whose sophomore season was his first of high school football due to COVID-19 — is poised for big things due to his continued growth and ability to mentally understand the game.

“He’s a very hard worker,” Stewart said. “He works with us, then he always gets some extra work outside of team workouts. He’s a great kid, doesn’t cause any trouble. If you don’t know him, you’re gonna think he’s a quiet, shy kid because he’s not gonna talk to you a lot. But as he gets to know you and trust you a little more, he’ll definitely open up.”

Multiple schools in contention for Dylan Stewart

The newly minted No. 1 overall prospect is still early in his recruiting process. Stewart has been on campus at Michigan, Penn State, South Carolina, Maryland, Rutgers and Ohio State multiple times already. And new schools are entering his recruitment regularly.

Both Alabama and Georgia are working to get him on campus for visits this spring, but it’s the Gamecocks who have made a strong impression early on. Outside linebackers coach Sterling Lucas has made his presence felt strongly in the DMV over the past year, including landing five-star Nyckoles Harbor.

He and Stewart have a strong relationship already, but the blossoming star isn’t on a decision timeline and wants to check out Michigan, Ohio State, Georgia, Alabama and others this spring.