Trevon Stewart making one of his 14 tackles against UCLA/ Courtesy of Tim Bradbury/ The Daily Bruin
Senior corner D.J. Hayden recognized Trevon Stewart’s potential as soon as Stewart stepped on the field.
“I knew when we first went out here for 7-on-7 drills and (Stewart) started backpedaling. I was like, ‘Yeah, he’s going to be pretty good,’” Hayden said. “You can tell athletes by how they run and I knew he was going to be a really good player.”
Stewart was playing in Patterson, La. last season, and in his first season at UH, has been willing to adjust to new positions.
Stewart began the season as starting nickleback but moved to safety in preparation for UCLA, a position where he has limited experience.
“This last game coach just threw him into the fire at safety. And it’s his first time ever really playing safety. He adjusted well, came down and made a couple tackles,” Hayden said.
“I think Trevon has got the idea that he’s probably going to have to step up and have a starter’s role. I think he’s doing a great job, especially coming in a freshman.”
Stewart has made an immediate impact on the team with 29 total tackles this season, 19 of which are unassisted. Stewart was a bright spot in the secondary versus UCLA against the run and the pass.
Stewart had 14 tackles in his first start at safety and snagged an interception, though the play was overturned by a penalty. Stewart was also a big help around the line of scrimmage, helping hold Heisman Candidate, Johnathan Franklin significantly under his torrid early season pace.
Secondary coach Zac Spavital said he sees good things when he turns on the game film.
“Very instinctive. He’s got a natural knack of finding the ball,” Spavital said. “One thing that has impressed me lately is his ability to tackle. He’s a true freshman and we threw him out there at safety for one game and he led the team in tackles.”
Stewart, unlike some freshmen, did not fear the big lights of major college football. He was ready to contribute immediately.
“He’s got a mindset — that’s one thing I liked about him since high school. He’s a mature kid, he’s very focused and that hasn’t changed,” Spavital said. “It didn’t take but about three or four practices until we realized that he has a chance to do a lot of things. He’s very versatile. He can play slot, he can play corner, and he can play safety. He’s physically a gifted athlete.”
His game was just as multi-faceted in high school. He contributed on the offense as a receiver and running back, earning Class 3A All-State honors at both positions. On defense Stewart intercepted four passes last season at Patterson High School.
Even for talented players like Stewart, the transition from high school to college competition is difficult. The on-field maturation process may have been expedited when Hayden took Stewart under his wing.
“I help him out as much as I can. He may ask me about a call. I tell him what I’m reading on a play and what he should be reading. I think that I do help him because everyone wants someone they can compete with,” Hayden said.
And the competition is building a better secondary.
“I feel like him trying to compete with me and me trying to compete with him makes us both better,” Hayden said.
