Week 10'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.’

The freshman who does not play like a freshman.

Amidst a distasteful losing spell, only a few bright spots have been discovered, but the ball in Evan Stewart’s hands feels like a breath of fresh air for Texas A&M fans.

The Aggies took their sixth loss of the season to the Florida Gators on Saturday, and although there is limited to be excited about, Stewart’s talent as a playmaker is hard to come across.

Stewart’s 120 yards against Florida brought his season total to 598, and with eight catches in the game, he tied Jalen Wydermyer’s 2020 reception total (46), surpassing Ainias Smith’s 43 in 2020.

The wideout is helping lay a path for the Aggies to be successful, but a game of musical chairs at quarterback and along the offensive line has caused the offense to struggle immensely. However, Stewart has adjusted well to the rotating door of signal-callers and emerged as a top target for Max Johnson, Haynes King and Conner Weigman. Stewart is King’s No. 1 target, connecting on 34 passes so far this year.

Jamie Maury, TexAgs

Early in his collegiate career, Evan Stewart has shown he can be a playmaker. The true freshman is the Aggies’ leading receiver, but he only has two career touchdowns.

The Frisco Liberty native ranks as the No. 1 receiver in the SEC in receptions per game and is second in receiving yards per game in the league with 74.75 behind Tennessee’s Jalin Hyatt (107.8).

Although the freshman’s flashy route running has caught many eyes, what falls through the cracks is his ability to extend plays. Against Florida, Stewart ran for 39 yards after the catch and has fought for a total of 163 this season.

Stewart’s 120-yard game against the Gators marks his second 100+ yard game this year. A&M’s offense has leaned heavily on the young receiver to step up this season following Smith’s injury, and Stewart has done just that.

And to reiterate, Stewart is still a teenager. He has an exponential upside at the receiver position, and experience will continue to mold him into a player Aggies will likely never forget.

Stewart’s stats vs. Florida
Receptions: 8
Targets: 17
Yards: 120
Touchdowns: 0
Average per catch: 15.0

Stewart’s 2022 stats
Receptions: 46
Targets: 95
Yards: 598
Touchdowns: 2
Average per catch: 13.0