It’s being reported that another one of Alabama’s talented juniors is ready to leap into the National Football League. Per Matt Zenitz of AL.com, ArDarius Stewart is expected to declare for the 2017 NFL Draft.
Despite having two receptions for 22 yards against Clemson, the ex-Fultondale (Ala.) High School quarterback connected with tight end O.J. Howard on a 24-yard pass in the fourth quarter. Stewart’s arm talent set up a 30-yard touchdown run from true freshman Jalen Hurts, giving the Crimson Tide a 31-28 lead with 2:06 left in regulation. Alabama lost the national championship game, 35-31, but Stewart turned in a strong year.
He finished as the Tide’s leading target with 864 yards receiving and eight touchdowns on 54 catches.
The 6-foot-1, 204-pounder accounted for 700 receiving yards and four scores on 63 receptions in 2015, the year Alabama captured a national championship in the Playoff era. His toughness, hands and fluidity in route running should land him a role in the NFL.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
