© Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
South Carolina superstar defensive end Dylan Stewart is gearing up for Year 2 in the SEC. The former five-star talent is expected to be one of the league’s most disruptive pass rushers.
In order to live up to those lofty expectations, he needs help. The Gamecocks delivered in the transfer portal, though it needed Stewart’s approval on incoming prospects.
Stewart has been described as a generational player. He’s drawn Jadeveon Clowney comps after just a year on campus.
As a freshman, the end racked up 23 tackles and 6.5 sacks. He recorded 34 quarterback hurries despite facing double, and even triple teams, all year long.
The double teams came despite having college football’s Defensive Player of the Year opposite him. Kyle Kennard is now gone after an All-American season.
LAST Chance: Get Up To 60% Off Your eBike (Plus $100 Off) At Upway (OFFER ENDS AUG. 31)
Kennard’s replacement must be talented enough to draw attention from opposing offense. If not, Stewart will be targeted.
South Carolina let Dylan Stewart handpick football transfers.
The Gamecocks were relatively active in the portal this offseason. Stewart was given the opportunity to vet prospects.
The lineman frequently reviewed film with coaches and personnel. He would let the staff know if he disapproved of a potential target.
More from CBS Sports:
Stewart would pop into the office of Darren Uscher, South Carolina’s director of player personnel and recruiting, to see who South Carolina was considering adding at the defensive line position. He’d plop down and intently watch as Uscher and his team reviewed film of defensive line recruiting targets…
“If he doesn’t like them, he’ll let us know,” Uscher told CBS Sports. “‘This dude can’t play.’ He wants good teammates.”
Stewart is an incredible player. He’s making just under $2 million this season as a result.
He still needs help. Getting good teammates along the defensive line will allow him to get into the backfield more often.
Offenses won’t be able to gameplan for him alone. His production will see a boost, as will potential future income.
Stewart is just a sophomore. He has to play one more college season after this year. NIL will play a major role in his next college decision.
Rivals are chomping at the bit to lure him away from Columbia. If the Gamecocks can’t keep him happy, he’ll leave.
College football is cooked.
It’s understandable why Dylan Stewart would want to choose his teammates. From a player standpoint, talent impacts production, which impacts NIL and ultimately, NFL outlook.
But is it a good thing for college football?
Coaches might argue, “No.” We’ve gotten to a point where players can threaten to leave a school at any moment. Programs are being held hostage to the demands of their superstars. We’ve already seen the negative impacts.
At Tennessee, Nico Iamaleava demanded Josh Heupel go get more offensive line and wide receiving talent in the transfer portal. When he didn’t upgrade to the quarterback’s liking, Iamaleava bailed.
CBS Sports suggests that the practice of allowing players to have input on recruiting decisions is more common than you’d think. Major decisions are being influenced by 18-year-old kids.
Again, from a player standpoint, it makes a lot of sense. From a coaching outlook, it’s probably not an ideal situation.
Coaches want to have control when building their roster. They have a vision in mind when identifying talent. Yes, players deserve a voice, but ultimately, the program operates at the direction of the staff.
Input from players simply adds one more layer to an already difficult job. However, the revolving door that is the transfer portal is always open. Now, there’s one more excuse for players to leave. Coaches have no choice but to cave.