Though Arkansas can't make a living off of in-state players, the ones they do get are always fan favorites. Jonesboro native Jashaud Stewart became the first in-stater to give his pledge to the Hogs and the third commit in Chad Morris's 2020 class. He committed to Arkansas in March over offers from Houston, Memphis, SMU and others.
No one knows Arkansas's commits like their high school coaches, so Rivals caught up with Jonesboro head football coach Randy Coleman to get the inside scoop on Stewart. The Jonesboro Hurricane went 8-5 in 2018, falling to Benton in the second round of playoffs.
You Guys Play Stewart at Defensive End but Where Do You Project Him For the Next Level?
"For us, it doesn't make any sense to move him off the defensive line because of how many explosive plays he has from the end position. He wouldn't be able to do that for us at linebacker but at the next level, I definitely think he's a linebacker. He could play Mike or Will, his violence and his burst, I think those are the things that help him get after the quarterback, he could do that off the edge at linebacker."
How Quick is Jashaud?
"He's one of the guys we don't really get caught up in 40 times because he's so fast and so explosive, his closing time is so good at game speed, but he'll run around a 4.6 at a combine. We train him for football though, not for combines. If he had training he could run 4.5 or lower."
How Much Does He Like Lifting Weights?
"He loves the weight room. He's one of our strongest guys. When we tested, we had to stop him squatting more than 500 lbs. because, for us, there's a point where you could potentially force an injury, so that's where we've kept his max. He's power-cleaning 325. He's explosive and strong. He's going to be up there with anyone. Pound for pound he's probably the strongest you'll find."
Where Do You Think Jashaud Has the Most Room For Growth?
"I think he just needs to continue growing and adding weight. He's at 223 right now. If he's playing linebacker, he probably needs to get to around 235, bigger for defensive end. I'm not convinced that he's done growing. I think he'll add another inch and then more weight. But he looks good. He'd be a popular guy on the beach, I can tell you that."
How Has He Grown as a Leader Since You Began Coaching Him?
"We elect captains from our senior class every year but on any team there are always leaders that emerge throughout the season and Jashaud emerged last year as our defensive leader. He's not overly vocal, although he will encourage and motivate with words if need be, his daily actions on and off the field, around the coaches and his teammates, those are what make people want to follow him and look up to him. Just the way he goes about his business makes him someone you want to follow."
How Does He Take Criticism?
"We coach them hard. There's no doubt about that. Any type of coaching we're doing is never personal, it's to get better, and he understands that. He understands coaches are competitors just like players are. He's able to be coached, take that information and get better, he does that on a daily basis."
How's His Football IQ?
"His football IQ is very high. He's just a guy that you can tell it's what he loves. He's football 24/7. Any guy like that, they become a sponge for scheme and instruction. The little things too like hand placement and get off. He's become more of a technician. We know once he gets up on the Hill with those guys it's only going to get better."
How are His Grades?
"They're good. He's got a good GPA. We're waiting to see his new ACT score. Just like with football, you know he's going to work. He's not scared to work and he can perform. He does that. I'm not sure yet what his credits look like and if he'll be able to get out early."
SUBSCRIBE to HawgBeat and get access to exclusive prospect interviews, the best recruiting network in the industry, inside scoops on recruiting and team news, videos, podcasts and much more.
Join the discussion on THE TROUGH, the Arkansas Rivals premium message board for thousands of Hog fans.
