In 2023, Oregon State football ranked No. 2 in the nation in scoring and passing attack. The addition of wide receiver Evan Stewart could make the Ducks one of the top offenses in the country.
Stewart has already turned heads wearing a Ducks uniform during spring football practice. Perhaps coach Dan Lanning's biggest acquisition for the Ducks in the transfer portal…the addition of the acrobatic Stewart adds further depth to Oregon's already impressive wide receiver room.
“I want to show that I'm a jack of all trades,” Stewart said after Thursday's practice. “…I can go up and receive the ball like a big receiver, and I can move like a small receiver. I've got great hands and I'm very quick, very quick.”
Is it the fastest duck receiver?
Stewart, Tez Johnson, Tra'eshon Holden and Gary Bryant Jr. will all compete for passes from quarterback Dillon Gabriel (or Dante Moore) this spring.
Stewart jokingly scoffed that he would win the race between his receiver teammates, but that it would be “close.”
The Ducks will be without Troy Franklin, who brings his talents to the NFL, but Stewart could make an immediate impact in a starting role alongside Johnson and Holden.
Oregon wide receiver Evan Stewart tries to avoid defensive back Solomon Davis during practice.
Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard/USA
experience
Stewart, a transfer from Texas A&M, totaled 1,163 receiving yards and six touchdowns in two seasons despite suffering a slowdown due to an ankle injury early in the 2013 season. Stewart's undeniable talent and experience made him very popular within the portal, ranking him in the top five overall athletes within the portal.
Strengths
Stewart's soft hands and red zone efficiency are outstanding. According to a recent scouting report from NFL Draft Buzz, Stewart is able to track and catch deep balls with such concentration that he makes acrobatic catches look effortless.
spring football performance
Stewart has only been in Eugene for a few months, but he's already impressed his coaches and teammates. Wide receivers coach and offensive coordinator Junior Adams said Stewart devoured the playbook and showed his work ethic and intelligence.
Quotable
What does Stewart hope to accomplish while at Oregon?
“That's the ball, trying to pass,” Stewart said after Thursday's practice. “(Oregon) suited everything I was looking for. I wanted to be a great program with a lot of order and structure. Everything is much better here. Honestly, I am happy with my decision.”
