Steward looking for something "different" this weekend at Clemson

Tony Steward at the US Army All-American Bowl. (Photos: Icon SMI)

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Tue Jan 11 20:38:49 GMT-04:00 2011

CLEMSON – The nation’s No. 1-rated outside linebacker prospect heads to Clemson this weekend looking for something that will set Clemson apart from Florida St.

St. Augustine’s (Pedro Menendez High) Tony Steward (6-2, 225) is the No. 2 player in the state of Florida and No. 7 player overall nationally regardless of position, and he has trimmed his top two to the Seminoles and the Tigers. Florida and UCLA are both still in the mix (new Florida head coach Will Muschamp is trying to get Steward in for a visit), but Clemson and Florida St. are definitely the leaders.

“I just want to find something different,” Steward told TigerNet Tuesday evening. “I feel comfortable on each campus, and I love the people in both places. I just want to see if I can find something different and find something that sets the two places apart from each other. I don’t know what that is. I am going to see what I can find.”

Steward said he loves both places almost equally.

“For Florida St. - apart from being my favorite college growing up – I love the city and the people there are friendly,” he said. “I enjoy being at Florida St. Clemson is a great location, and is a beautiful campus. I love all of the coaches and the people that are there. I talk to Coach Steele, and he coached my favorite player (Ernie Sims) and we have a great relationship.”

Steward is recovering from a knee injury he suffered this past season, playing in eight games, but still had 82 tackles, six sacks, four forced fumbles, one interception and returned three kickoffs for touchdowns. He also had 36 carries for 257 yards and caught 14 passes for 158 yards. He also completed 3-of-6 passes for 119 yards and a touchdown.

As a junior Steward had 123 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, five sacks, three interceptions including two taken back for touchdowns, five fumble recoveries and six forced fumbles.

Steward said that Clemson and Florida St. are “50-50” and that he expects to wait until National Signing Day to make his decision – unless he finds what he is looking for.

“That’s the plan, to wait until Signing Day,” he said. “But something could change all of that.”