Week One's Overnight Sensation: Evan Stewart, Wide Receiver

Each Monday during the 2022 Texas A&M football season, we’ll identify a first or second-year Aggie player who delivered an exceptional performance over the weekend and earned the distinction of being the week’s ‘Overnight Sensation.’ 

TikTok star, five-star and Aggie star.

It did not take long for the top-tier talent of the Aggies’ latest recruiting class to be on full display at Kyle Field on Saturday, leaving an abundance of choices for an Overnight Sensation.

During the season opener, the Aggies shut out the Sam Houston Bearkats, 31-0, and head coach Jimbo Fisher was not afraid to use his new weapons. A&M’s new explosive offense saw quarterback Haynes King air out 364 passing yards to six different receivers, one of those being true freshman wideout Evan Stewart. 

The five-star signee ran with the ones and proved he belonged there. Stewart caught five passes for 57 yards, including an impressive out-of-bounds toe drag, his first catch as an Aggie.

“Coming in as freshmen, (Stewart and Chris Marshall) had the little jitters walking out of the tunnel, but it seemed like all of that went away as soon as the game started,” receiver Ainias Smith said. “I was excited for them, very happy for them. They came out, and they didn't play like no freshmen.” 

Not only did Stewart display his quickness, but he also showed his ability to continue the play after the catch and run around defenders. In the second quarter, Stewart’s longest play in yesterday’s game was a 23-yard grab where he sped past the corner, drew a late-hit flag and gave the Aggies a first down to then kick a field goal later in the drive.

Averaging 11.4 yards per carry, Stewart is a playmaker with the ball in his hands, and Fisher made it known he has no problem putting his newest players on the field. 

“They've got to play," Fisher said. "They're freshmen now. The depth it takes to play in this league and building these guys and get them out there playing. Hopefully, they'll keep playing each and every week.”

With Stewart on the field, Aggie fans have a lot to be excited about for the next three to four years.

Stewart's stats vs. Sam Houston
Receptions: 5
Targets: 9
Yards: 57
Average per catch: 11.4