Shemar Stewart of Texas A&M may be overpriced, according to some detractors, who point to his inconsistent play and untapped potential.

Shemar Stewart, the highly-touted defensive lineman from Texas A&M, has been one of the most intriguing and polarizing figures in recent college football recruiting cycles. As a 5-star prospect, Stewart entered College Station with immense expectations, and his physical tools have often been described in superlative terms. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 305 pounds, Stewart has the size, strength, and agility to be a dominant force on the field. However, despite his impressive stature and recruiting pedigree, some have questioned whether Shemar Stewart is being overvalued, especially when it comes to his consistency and development potential.

In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why Stewart has been labeled as “overvalued” by some analysts and fans, diving deep into his performances, areas of concern, and what it would take for him to meet or exceed his lofty expectations. We’ll also take a closer look at the qualities that made him a highly-coveted recruit, the expectations placed upon him, and whether his potential is truly being underdeveloped or simply misunderstood.

The Hype Surrounding Shemar Stewart

Shemar Stewart’s journey to Texas A&M started long before his recruitment was solidified. Known for his elite athleticism, the defensive lineman was a standout during his high school years at Colleyville Heritage High School in Colleyville, Texas. By the time Stewart enrolled at Texas A&M, he was widely considered one of the best defensive prospects of his class and was listed as a consensus 5-star recruit by major recruiting outlets such as Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN.

Physical Tools: A Rare Talent

At 6-foot-6, Stewart is the prototype of the modern defensive lineman. His frame is built to last at the next level, and his athleticism for his size is exceptional. He is a quick-twitch player with the ability to accelerate off the line of scrimmage and close space quickly, which is a key trait for any edge rusher or interior lineman. His combination of strength and agility allows him to get leverage on opposing offensive linemen, making him a versatile piece for Texas A&M’s defense.

Moreover, Stewart’s length gives him an advantage in disrupting passing lanes and batting down passes. With the athletic ability to drop back in coverage if needed, his potential to be a multi-dimensional defensive weapon has created a great deal of excitement. His physical gifts have made him a natural fit for various defensive schemes, whether it’s a traditional 4-3 or a more flexible 3-4 setup.

The Recruiting Circus

It’s important to recognize that the hype surrounding a 5-star recruit like Stewart isn’t solely about his physical attributes; it’s also about the college football programs that pursue him. Texas A&M, known for its immense financial investment in its football program, offered Stewart the opportunity to play in a competitive and high-profile conference, the SEC, and under the guidance of one of college football’s most respected coaches, Jimbo Fisher.

As a result, Stewart entered College Station with sky-high expectations—not only because of his abilities but also because he was seen as a cornerstone of Fisher’s future defenses. With the weight of this expectation on his shoulders, Stewart quickly became a key figure in the conversation surrounding Texas A&M’s football future.

Areas of Concern: Is Stewart Overvalued?

Despite the promising physical traits, some critics have raised concerns about Stewart’s consistency, especially during his first few years at Texas A&M. These concerns center on whether Stewart is being overvalued relative to his actual on-field performance. While Stewart undoubtedly has the tools to become a dominant player, his performances in certain areas have left much to be desired.

1. Inconsistent Play on the Field

One of the biggest criticisms leveled against Stewart is his inconsistency on the field. At times, he has shown flashes of brilliance, wreaking havoc in opposing backfields and demonstrating his rare physical gifts. However, those moments of dominance have been few and far between. For a player with such a high rating coming out of high school, critics argue that his inability to sustain this level of play consistently raises red flags.

In his early years at Texas A&M, Stewart has not been able to consistently dominate against high-level competition. While he has had some solid games, there are also instances where he has been quiet and relatively ineffective in disrupting offensive plays. Whether it’s getting too caught up in trying to make splashy plays or being stymied by strong offensive lines, Stewart’s performances have not always matched his 5-star billing.

2. Lack of Development in Key Areas

While Stewart’s physical tools have always been lauded, some observers believe that he has yet to develop the necessary technical skills to take his game to the next level. In particular, his pass-rush technique and hand placement have been criticized. While he has the raw power to bull-rush offensive linemen, his technique has not always been refined, leading to missed opportunities and a lack of productivity in certain situations.

Additionally, some have noted that Stewart can struggle to get off blocks when offensive linemen use effective leverage against him. In the SEC, where offensive lines are strong and quick, this is a significant concern. For Stewart to reach his ceiling, he will need to improve his ability to disengage from blockers and get to the quarterback or ball carrier more frequently.

3. Work Ethic and Mentality

Another area of concern for some is Stewart’s work ethic and mental approach to the game. There have been reports that his development has sometimes been hindered by a lack of consistent intensity in practice and games. At times, Stewart has been described as playing with “spurts” of effort rather than maintaining a relentless drive throughout an entire game.

In high-stakes programs like Texas A&M, where every snap matters, a player’s mentality is crucial for success. Critics argue that Stewart has occasionally failed to demonstrate the relentless drive and mental toughness required to succeed in the SEC, where talent alone is not enough to stand out. Without a more consistent motor and mentality, it’s unclear whether Stewart will be able to fully reach his potential as a top-tier player.

4. Overhyped Recruiting Status?

Another argument against Stewart’s valuation comes from the notion that he was perhaps overhyped by the recruiting industry in the first place. While he certainly possesses a wealth of natural talent, some detractors argue that the hype surrounding his recruitment was more about his physical attributes and less about his actual on-field production in high school. It’s not uncommon for players to receive inflated rankings due to sheer physical gifts, but when these players step onto the college field, they often fail to meet the expectations set by their high school resumes.

Stewart’s transition to college football has revealed that being a dominant high school player doesn’t automatically translate to dominance in the SEC. The level of competition is vastly different, and as Stewart has learned, athleticism alone is not always enough to guarantee success. There may be questions about whether Stewart was truly deserving of the 5-star ranking or if he simply benefitted from the talent-rich pool of recruits coming out of Texas in his class.

The Case for Stewart’s Potential: Could He Still Emerge as a Star?

While there are legitimate concerns about Shemar Stewart’s development and consistency, it’s also important to recognize that he still has a significant amount of untapped potential. Stewart is still in the process of refining his game, and the Texas A&M coaching staff is likely focused on helping him improve in areas like pass-rush technique and mental toughness.

Here are some reasons why Stewart could still emerge as one of the top defensive players in college football:

1. Elite Physical Gifts

Even with the criticisms of his game, Stewart still possesses elite physical tools that can’t be taught. His size, strength, and agility give him a solid foundation for success. If he can harness these attributes and refine his technique, he could still develop into an NFL-caliber player.

2. Coaching and Development at Texas A&M

Stewart is under the tutelage of Jimbo Fisher and his staff, which has a proven track record of developing high-level talent. Texas A&M’s commitment to player development, particularly along the defensive line, provides Stewart with the resources and coaching he needs to reach his potential. With the right guidance, Stewart could refine his technique and mental approach to become a more consistent and dominant player.

3. The Competition in the SEC

The fierce competition in the SEC will only help push Stewart to be better. The demands of playing in one of the toughest conferences in college football will force him to elevate his game or risk being left behind. Given his physical gifts and work ethic, there’s no reason to believe he can’t make the necessary adjustments to thrive at this level.

 Is Shemar Stewart Overvalued?

The question of whether Shemar Stewart is overvalued is complicated. On one hand, his physical attributes and potential make him an elite recruit with all the tools needed to succeed at the next level. However, concerns about his consistency, development in key areas, and mental approach have led some to question whether he is living up to the hype.

At this point in his career, Stewart is still a work in progress. While his flashes of brilliance suggest that he could eventually become a dominant force, it will require significant development to reach his full potential. The next few seasons

at Texas A&M will be crucial for Stewart, as he looks to refine his technique and become the player many believed he could be when he first arrived in College Station.

Ultimately, whether Stewart proves to be overvalued or a future star depends on how well he can respond to the challenges ahead. For Texas A&M, his development could be a pivotal part of the team’s success moving forward.