Texas lands 2025 four-star RB Rickey Stewart Jr.
Texas went into East Texas for one of its top running back targets for 2025. Tyler (Texas) Chapel Hill four-star Rickey Stewart Jr. committed to UT today while on a visit to campus.
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The 5-foot-11, 185-pounder has been one of the most productive players in the Lone Star State since starting as a freshman in 2021.
Stewart Jr. picked the Horns over Michigan, LSU, Oregon, Oklahoma State, Baylor, and TCU.
Excerpt from the Recruiting Notebook:
How he fits at Texas:
Stewart is an ultra quick running back who’s been putting up huge numbers behind a terrific offensive line out in Tyler, Texas. He has the suddenness to win the edge and to be patient before doing so while reading flow and letting his blockers get set up. At Texas he’d fit in the main running schemes but figures to be in the mold of Keilan Robinson, Jaydon Blue, or Tre Wisner. He’ll have early value on quick passes and outside runs and on special teams. Whether he evolves beyond a role as an explosive, specialized weapon will depend on how he grows and develops running between the tackles. – Ian Boyd
Coach Says:
Strengths — A slashing runner with exceptional vision. Have yet to see a false step out of his stance. Excellent for a one-cut-and-go zone scheme. A short-strider with excellent acceleration to an above average top-end speed. Has exceptional feel for the blocking scheme and will use small area quickness and adjustments (cuts, sidesteps) to set up and blow past defenders. Patiently presses the hole and give his blocks time to develop. Gets north-south quickly and isn’t afraid to lower his shoulder when needed. Contact balance is reasonably good when you can find someone getting contact on him. Starting since freshman year with arcade-like numbers. Last year alone, had 44 TDs. Averaged 10.5 yards per rush and 15.7 yards per reception last season and 9.8 yards per touch for his career.
Areas for Improvement/Concern — Pass route running, catching and blocking have limited tape. Has 658 touches through three seasons.
How this affects Texas:
Texas wants two tailbacks in the Class of 2025. When Tashard Choice stopped by Chapel Hill last week, he knew he saw his next RB offer. Stewart attended UT’s junior day on January 20th and received his dream offer from the Longhorns. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound SMU pledge was blown away by the Texas visit and verbal invitation. With Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei four-star Jordon Davison and Texas looking good today (he’s also visiting campus), Stewart would be an excellent co-pilot in the backfield for 2025.
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According to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies, Stewart ranks as the No. 268 overall prospect, the No. 20 running back, and the No. 45 player in Texas.
On3 is even higher on him, ranking Stewart as the No. 197 overall prospect, the No. 15 running back in the nation, and No. 33 player in Texas for 2025.
