Clemson Secures Commitment from Four-Star Safety Blake Stewart:
A Deep Dive into His High School Career and RecruitmentOn July 13, 2025, Clemson University’s football program celebrated a significant recruiting victory with the commitment of four-star safety Blake Stewart from Woodward Academy in College Park, Georgia. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound defensive back, ranked as one of the top safeties in the class of 2026, chose the Tigers over a competitive field of finalists including Michigan, Miami, and Vanderbilt. Stewart’s pledge marks him as the 21st commitment in Clemson’s 2026 recruiting class and the third safety to join the program, solidifying the Tigers’ secondary as one of the nation’s elite.
This article provides an in-depth look at Stewart’s high school performance, accolades, and the extensive list of offers he garnered during his recruitment, highlighting why his commitment is a major coup for head coach Dabo Swinney and safeties coach Mickey Conn.High School Career and Statistical BreakdownBlake Stewart has been a standout athlete at Woodward Academy, a powerhouse in Georgia’s 6A classification, where he has showcased his versatility as a two-way player, excelling on both defense and offense. During his junior season in 2024, Stewart demonstrated his prowess as a safety, racking up an impressive stat line that underscores his value as a defensive playmaker. According to MaxPreps, he recorded 80 tackles, including four tackles for loss, two interceptions, and eight pass deflections while helping lead Woodward Academy to the 6A state semifinals.
These numbers highlight his ability to read plays quickly, engage in run support, and disrupt passing games with his coverage skills.On the offensive side, Stewart’s athleticism translated into significant contributions as a wide receiver. He hauled in 38 receptions for 467 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his ball skills and ability to make acrobatic catches. His experience as a receiver enhances his defensive instincts, allowing him to twist and turn for pass breakups and interceptions with the same finesse he displays on offense. Stewart’s ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball makes him a rare and valuable prospect, capable of fitting into multiple defensive schemes.Stewart’s athletic profile extends beyond football, as he is a multi-sport athlete with a rare five-sport background. In addition to football, he has competed in baseball, basketball, lacrosse, and track and field.
His track performance is particularly noteworthy, with a personal-best 11.12 seconds in the 100-meter dash, underscoring his elite speed and explosiveness. This multi-sport pedigree, combined with his performance at the FBU Freshman All-American Bowl as a youngster, signals a high ceiling for development once he transitions to Clemson’s strength and conditioning program.
Accolades and Recruiting Rankings: Stewart’s on-field production and athletic versatility have earned him high praise from recruiting services. According to the 247Sports Composite Rankings, he is rated as the No. 24 safety in the class of 2026 and the No. 37 player in Georgia. Rivals ranks him even higher, placing him No. 149 overall and No. 10 among safeties nationally, while On3’s Industry Rankings list him as the No. 26 safety. Both ESPN and Rivals classify him as a four-star prospect, though some services, like 247Sports and On3 in their proprietary rankings, have rated him as a three-star at times. Regardless, his consistent ranking among the top safeties in his class reflects his status as a blue-chip recruit.Stewart’s accolades extend beyond recruiting rankings.
He was selected as an Adidas All-American, an honor reserved for the nation’s top high school football players, showcasing his ability to compete with elite talent across the country. His performance at the Rivals Five-Star camp in Indianapolis further solidified his reputation, where he announced his commitment date and impressed scouts with his athleticism and football IQ. Additionally, his early recognition at the FBU Freshman All-American Bowl marked him as a prospect to watch from a young age.Recruitment Journey and OffersStewart’s recruitment was a national battle, with over 40 Division I offers from some of the most prestigious programs in college football. His finalists—Clemson, Michigan, Miami, and Vanderbilt—represent a mix of traditional powerhouses and academically elite institutions, reflecting his appeal as both a player and a student. Below is a comprehensive list of the programs that offered Stewart scholarships, based on available information:
- Clemson
- Michigan
- Miami
- Vanderbilt
- Georgia
- Florida
- Auburn
- Texas
- Texas A&M
- Florida State
- Georgia Tech
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Penn State
- Tennessee
- LSU
- Ole Miss
- Mississippi State
- Kentucky
- Louisville
- Indiana
- West Virginia
- Cincinnati
- UCF
- Boston College
- Duke
- Wake Forest
- Virginia Tech
- Pittsburgh
- Syracuse
- Maryland
- Missouri
- Arkansas
- Baylor
- Houston
- SMU
- Tulane
- Appalachian State
- Georgia Southern
- Troy
This extensive offer list underscores Stewart’s desirability as a versatile defensive back with the potential to play multiple positions, including free safety, nickel, or even corner. His official visits to Clemson (May 30), Vanderbilt (June 6), Miami (June 13), and Michigan (June 20) were critical in narrowing his choices. Clemson’s early engagement, including an offer in January 2025 and multiple campus visits (notably the Elite Retreat in March and the Louisville game in November 2024), helped build a strong relationship with safeties coach Mickey Conn. Stewart praised Clemson’s culture, development focus, and the versatility of their defensive scheme, noting, “They see me fitting in as a versatile safety who can cover and move around based on the scheme. The vibe is just different.”
Why Clemson?
Stewart’s decision to commit to Clemson was influenced by several factors. He highlighted the program’s emphasis on player development, both on and off the field, and his strong relationship with Coach Conn, who has a track record of producing NFL-caliber defensive backs. Clemson’s defensive scheme, under coordinator Tom Allen, is designed to maximize the skill sets of versatile safeties like Stewart, who can excel in both single-high and two-high coverages. Stewart noted, “They have DBs get drafted in the first round every year. It’s just the scheme they have for me. I like the defense that [Allen] does. It’s built for safeties and the way I play.”
Clemson’s ability to fend off late pushes from Michigan and Miami, both known for aggressive Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) strategies, speaks to the strength of their recruiting pitch. Stewart’s multiple visits to Clemson, including an official visit on May 30, allowed him to experience the program’s unique culture firsthand. His commitment adds him to a stellar 2026 safety class alongside four-stars Kentavion Anderson (Roebuck, SC) and Kaden Gebhardt (Olentangy, OH), prompting Anderson to proclaim on X, “We got the best secondary in the country.”Impact on Clemson’s 2026 ClassStewart’s commitment elevates Clemson’s 2026 recruiting class to No. 11 nationally, according to 247Sports Composite rankings, with 15 four-star recruits and six three-star commits. He is the third safety and the ninth defensive player in the class, joining Georgia natives Dre Quinn and Kameron Cody as the third Peach State recruit.
His addition strengthens a secondary that is poised to be a cornerstone of Clemson’s future defenses, with Stewart’s versatility, athleticism, and instincts addressing a key need under Coach Conn’s guidance.Analysts praise Stewart’s potential to thrive in Clemson’s Cover 2-heavy scheme, given his processing speed, ball skills, and willingness to engage in run support. While he needs to add bulk to become a more effective tackler, his frame suggests he can add mass in a college weight room without sacrificing speed. His experience as a multi-sport athlete and his performance against top competition position him as a player with the IQ and athleticism to develop into an impact starter.
Blake Stewart’s commitment to Clemson is a testament to the program’s ability to attract elite talent in a competitive recruiting landscape. His junior season stats—80 tackles, four tackles for loss, two interceptions, eight pass deflections, and 38 receptions for 467 yards and three touchdowns—demonstrate his ability to influence games on both sides of the ball. Coupled with his accolades as an Adidas All-American and his extensive offer list from over 40 Division I programs, Stewart is a prized addition to Clemson’s 2026 class. As he prepares to join forces with Kentavion Anderson and Kaden Gebhardt, Stewart’s commitment signals a bright future for Clemson’s secondary, reinforcing the Tigers’ reputation as a destination for top defensive backs.
