“From D.C. to the SEC: Dylan Stewart Brings Elite Edge Rushing Talent to South Carolina After Dominating at Friendship Collegiate Academy”
Dylan Stewart’s journey from the streets of Washington, D.C. to the roaring stadiums of the SEC is more than just the story of a gifted athlete making good on his talent—it’s the emergence of a future star who could redefine South Carolina football’s defensive identity. A product of Friendship Collegiate Academy, a school known for producing tough, driven football players from the heart of the nation’s capital, Stewart arrived in Columbia as one of the highest-rated recruits in Gamecock history. His decision to join the South Carolina Gamecocks over powerhouse programs sent shockwaves through the college football world and gave head coach Shane Beamer a headline-grabbing victory on the recruiting trail. Now, as Stewart begins to carve out his place on the team, fans, coaches, and analysts alike are watching closely, knowing they could be witnessing the rise of a defensive phenom who plays with purpose, power, and poise far beyond his years.
At 6-foot-5 and weighing in at nearly 250 pounds, Dylan Stewart is built like the prototype edge rusher—long, lean, explosive, and violent off the snap. He was ranked among the top defensive players in the country in the 2024 recruiting cycle, a five-star prospect whose film was flooded with jaw-dropping plays that showcased his quickness, bend, and ability to disengage from blockers with ease. But what made him such a coveted recruit wasn’t just his physical gifts—it was the combination of relentless motor, raw power, and a technician’s mind for the game that made him nearly unblockable at the high school level. At Friendship Collegiate Academy, he terrorized opposing quarterbacks, dominated offensive lines, and elevated his team every time he stepped on the field. Coaches at the high school level described him as a sponge, eager to learn and improve, never satisfied with just being good enough.
The move from D.C. to the Southeastern Conference is a massive step for any young player, but Stewart has embraced the challenge with maturity and focus. The transition from high school to SEC football is a jarring one; the game is faster, the opponents are stronger, and the mental grind is relentless. Yet early indications from summer practices and fall camp suggest Stewart is not only adjusting—he’s thriving. Teammates have already commented on his work ethic and the respect he’s earned in the locker room despite being a freshman. Veterans on the defensive line have taken him under their wing, but they’ve also acknowledged that Stewart doesn’t carry himself like a freshman. He prepares like a pro, practices like a veteran, and brings a quiet intensity that demands attention.
South Carolina fans have every reason to be excited. Over the past few years, the Gamecocks have made noticeable strides under Beamer’s leadership, but a game-changing pass rusher like Stewart could be the piece that takes the defense to a new level. In the SEC, where every snap matters and every inch is earned, a dominant edge rusher can flip the outcome of games by himself. Stewart’s ability to collapse the pocket, set the edge against the run, and pressure quarterbacks on third down is exactly what the Gamecocks need as they look to compete against high-powered offenses across the conference. And with the spotlight firmly on Columbia, the arrival of a player with Stewart’s potential marks a turning point—a signal that South Carolina is not just recruiting talent, but developing future stars.
What makes Stewart’s rise even more compelling is the background he comes from. Washington, D.C., isn’t traditionally thought of as a football pipeline in the same way as Texas, Florida, or Georgia, but the city has quietly produced elite athletes who bring a different kind of toughness to the game. Friendship Collegiate Academy has built a reputation for developing disciplined, battle-tested players who are mentally and physically prepared for the next level. Stewart is a shining example of that mold. His high school coaches speak glowingly about his leadership and humility, noting that despite his fame and recruiting hype, he remained grounded, always putting in extra work and helping teammates. His story is one of dedication and vision—of a kid from D.C. who saw football as more than just a game but as a vehicle to transform his life and those around him.
South Carolina’s coaching staff was aggressive in their pursuit of Stewart, knowing full well the kind of impact he could make from day one. Defensive coordinator Clayton White, in particular, played a crucial role in showing Stewart how his skills would be maximized in the Gamecock defensive scheme. The pitch wasn’t just about flashy facilities or hype videos; it was about development, fit, and a path to the NFL. Stewart saw a place where he wouldn’t be just another name on a depth chart—he’d be a focal point, a cornerstone of a defense with lofty goals. That message resonated deeply, especially coming from a staff that has a track record of helping players make that leap from high school standouts to Sunday contributors.
The expectations for Stewart are undeniably high, but he’s never shied away from pressure. In fact, he seems to thrive on it. There’s a quiet confidence in the way he carries himself—an understanding that while the road ahead won’t be easy, it’s exactly where he’s meant to be. His focus isn’t just on making highlight-reel plays or earning accolades, but on helping South Carolina win football games. That team-first mindset is part of what makes him so respected by coaches and teammates alike. He’s already becoming a leader through his actions, holding himself accountable, pushing others to raise their level, and absorbing every coaching point like a veteran.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on how Stewart integrates into a South Carolina defense that’s hungry to make a statement. Opposing offensive coordinators will quickly learn they need to account for No. 5 on every snap. His burst off the edge can force quick throws, disrupt timing, and create turnovers. And as he develops more pass-rushing moves and learns to read offensive schemes at the college level, his game is only going to become more dangerous. Few freshmen come into the SEC ready to make an immediate impact, but Stewart is not your typical freshman. His ceiling is through the roof, and he’s just getting started.
Beyond the Xs and Os, Stewart represents something bigger for South Carolina. He’s a symbol of the program’s growth and ambition—a tangible example that the Gamecocks are capable of landing elite talent and building around them. His recruitment sent a message nationally that South Carolina is a legitimate destination for top players who want to compete at the highest level and be developed into pros. For a fanbase that bleeds garnet and black, Stewart’s commitment and arrival offer hope, excitement, and the potential for something special.
As he continues to put in work on and off the field, Dylan Stewart’s legacy at South Carolina is already taking shape. He’s part of a new wave of Gamecocks who are determined to change the narrative around the program—not just to make bowl games, but to compete for SEC titles. His journey from the urban battlegrounds of D.C. to the bright lights of Williams-Brice Stadium is a story of grit, belief, and raw talent meeting the right opportunity. And if his early development is any indication, South Carolina fans are about to witness the rise of a star whose name could echo through the SEC for years to come.
In the ever-competitive world of college football, impact players often define eras. Dylan Stewart has all the tools to be one of those players—a defensive force who shapes games, lifts teammates, and alters the trajectory of a program. His foundation is strong, his mindset is right, and his goals are clear. The next chapter of his football journey is just beginning, but already, the excitement is palpable. South Carolina found a gem in Stewart, and with each passing practice, it becomes more evident that his story is only just getting started. For fans in Columbia and beyond, the Dylan Stewart era is here—and it promises to be unforgettable.
