Arkansas Running Back's Recruitment Soars Skyward After Impressive Performance

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- The central part of Arkansas, particularly the Little Rock metropolitan area, hasn't been successful at developing true game-changers for Southeastern Conference teams.

Although just one player has equaled or exceeded Darren McFadden’s 5-star rating from the 2005 group (Michael Dyer in 2010), this region has generated fewer than 20 Southeastern Conference caliber talents over the last 20 recruitment periods, according to statistics from 247sports.

The most recent player to experience an upward trajectory in recruiting interest is 2027 Little Rock Central running back Trey Stewart. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 210 pounds, this talented sophomore demonstrates exceptional skill when holding the ball. He has the potential to excel whether on offense or defense after joining a collegiate team.

Last Friday morning, Stewart’s phone kept buzzing as he received messages from two institutions vying for the top spots in the College Football Playoff—located in Miami and Arizona State.

"Things are progressing well! I've been talking to a few coaches, and I'm feeling optimistic about my options so far," Stewart told Hogs on SI. "Recruitment is a process and the process has been nothing but good to me so far."

Stewart has been offered scholarships from universities including Arkansas, Missouri, Purdue, SMU, Wake Forest, Kennesaw State, and Sacramento State. As he enters his junior year, his 40-yard dash clocks in at an impressive 4.46 seconds, along with a remarkable vertical jump of 35 feet.

"I'm putting in the work," Stewart said. "I'm focused on getting better every day and finding the right fit for my football career."

In his sophomore year, Stewart rushed for 522 yards and scored 4 touchdowns on 59 carries, adding another 107 yards through 13 receptions. On defense as a safety for the Tigers, he made an impressive 22 tackles, broke up three passes, recorded two sacks, and intercepted two throws during the 2024 season.

While it is very early in his recruitment and Arkansas being one of the first FBS programs to express interest, Stewart will consider his home state's flagship program throughout the recruitment process.

What he does intend to do is keep his options open as it appears he will become a prospect with plenty of options to choose from before he signs his name to the dotted line on National Signing Day.

“I’m certainly considering Arkansas,” Stewart stated. “The coaching staff made me feel welcome during my visit up the hill, and I am eager to return. Representing my home state would be an honor, yet I’m still looking into all possibilities to ensure this aligns with both my academic and athletic aspirations.”

Central High School assistant coach Gabriel West speaks highly of Stewart's ability to make an impact at any position he's placed in.

"West mentioned that [Stewart] is highly unpredictable yet incredibly swift in his gameplay,” he stated. “Honestly, he’s extraordinary. He excels wherever you place him on the field.”

Over the course of Arkansas high school football history, Central High School has set the standard of excellence for state and national relevance.

The Tigers have amassed 32 state championships, 44 conference championships and two national titles and multiple professional athletes through the early-2000's.

Currently, third-year coach Anthony Robinson has taken over a significant reconstruction effort to bring relevance back to the Tigers’ program, even if this requires gradual progress.

Central went 3-8 overall in 2024 after losing 33 consecutive games dating back to its upset playoff victory at Fayetteville in 2020.

Robinson and his coaching staff have a young but very talented roster to utilize this fall as 4-star defensive lineman Anthony Kennedy, Jr., Bryson Kennedy, Stewart and many others.

HOGS FEED:

This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/arkansas as Little Rock Central running back sees recruitment stock skyrocket Friday .