Most crucial Jayhawks 2015: No. 3 – CB Brandon Stewart
photo by: Richard Gwin
Kansas University cornerback Brandon Stewart (8) makes a play during practice on Thursday, March 26, 2015.
We’ve reached the Top 3 of this year’s list of Most Crucial Jayhawks for the upcoming season, and, given the fact that KU plays in the offensive madhouse that is the Big 12, it should come as no surprise that 2 of the 3 are defensive players at critical positions.
We’ll unveil all three by the end of the day today and we’ll start with No. 3, a juco transfer who has some mighty big shoes to fill at cornerback.
Here’s a look:
3. Brandon Stewart, 6-foot, 171-pound Jr. Cornerback
In the Big 12 Conference, cornerbacks are tested like nobody else at an alarming rate. Week to week, game to game, snap to snap, if you don’t have competent corners in this conference, you don’t have a chance.
That’s why the play of Stewart, a junior college transfer who nearly went to Cal but chose KU after taking some advice from his high school coach, is so critical for the Jayhawks this season.
Built to play the role he has inherited, Stewart has all of the physical and mental tools to succeed in the pass-happy Big 12. However, until he does it and does it with some consistency, KU fans will likely realize just how solid and steady the play of 2015 NFL Draft Picks JaCorey Shepherd and Dexter McDonald was in 2014.
In order for Stewart to perform at that level, he’s going to have to prove he has what both of those guys had — confidence, an extremely competitive edge and a short memory. From the sound of it, he has all three. He carries himself like a veteran and talks like a guy who knows — doesn’t think but knows — he’s skilled enough to hang with some of the best offenses in the country.
What’s more, Stewart takes pride in the growth he already has made under cornerbacks coach Kenny Perry. And, in the same vibe, Perry has talked openly about how proud he is of Stewart and his ability to take instruction and keep working.
Far from a finished product, Stewart surely will encounter some tough times out there this season. But if more good moments than bad show up early, his already-high confidence will continue to grow and that will help the entire KU defense.
Most Crucial Jayhawks 2015: