Staff Reports
Carson High's John Stewart isn't going to let this opportunity slip by. Stewart has decided to continue his football career at Weber State.
Stewart has been offered a full ride scholarship by the Division 1-AA program in Ogden, Utah and will make a non-binding verbal commitment to the school today when he informs the Weber State coaching staff his intentions to attend the school, said his father Rich. Stewart will sign with the school on Wednesday, the first day of the winter signing period.
Stewart made his decision on Saturday during a recruiting trip to the school with his father. With the scholarship offer from Weber State, Stewart will cancel planned visits to Utah State and Montana State.
"They gave him a full-ride so he can't turn that down,'' said his mother, Shellie, from Carson City. "It's close to where we live and he loved the school. He said it reminds him of Carson. We're all just really excited. He's getting everything he deserves. He's a good kid."
Weber State was impressed with Stewart's size, speed and athleticism. Stewart, a 6-3 200-pound linebacker, had an impressive showing at last spring's NevadaPrep.Com Combine. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.69 seconds, had a 32-inch vertical leap and had 16 repetitions in the bench press at 185 pounds.
"I'm ecstatic," said Stewart's father from Ogden. "He's earned it. He's a hard working kid."
Despite being hobbled by a high ankle sprain for virtually all of last season, Stewart was still one of Carson's leaders on defense.
Rich said his son will have a chance to make a contribution as a freshman. "They want him to compete for playing time," Rich said. "They want him to come in and see what he can do."
Stewart is the second Northern Nevada player who has committed to Weber State as Hug's Mitchell Moore has also committed to the school. The University of Nevada's recruiting in the area seems to be lukewarm at best as at least eight Northern Nevada players have passed over the Wolf Pack to commit to other Division 1-A or 1-AA schools.
Nevada has received just two commitments' from area players and one, Manogue offensive lineman Bobby Lepori, committed to the Wolf Pack only after rescinded a commitment to Fresno State when the Bulldogs' offensive line coach went to Nebraska.
Nevada has gotten commitments from two local players through the junior college ranks - Hug's Antoine Barlow and Greg Alexander.
Stewart took an unofficial visit to Nevada and was given the chance to walk on, his father said. "They actively pursued him," Stewart's father said. "They called him every week."
Weber State competes in the Big Sky Conference and went 8-4 last season.
