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Edgy Tim: Warren’s Stewart finds a home at Illinois

Warren junior two sports standout recruit Aaron Stewart (5-foot-7, 175 pounds) verbally committed to Illinois last week. Stewart, who was recruited by Illinois in both Football and Wrestling discusses his decision to pledge to the Fighting Illini and his plan to play both sports at Illinois here.

“Illinois has been recruiting me for some time now and they are going to allow me to play both sports in college,” Stewart said. “Being able to play both football and wrestling in college has always been my dream and also a big part of my decision process.”

Stewart, an All State running back in 2024 who rushed for 2,485 yards and 34 touchdowns while also being a nationally ranked wrestler and an IHSA state champion at 175 pounds, pointed toward some key factors which led to his commitment to the University of Illinois.

“Early on in the process I wasn't sure if any schools would allow me to do both sports in college, but Illinois was always very open to the idea,” he said. “Illinois is just the best overall fit for me. I love my home state and Illinois has really nice people and great coaches on staff in both football and wrestling. I went and made visits to Illinois for both sports and I was able to get to learn a lot more about the school and what both programs had to offer. Illinois for football recruited me as a running back and I'm excited to get an opportunity. Illinois also offers a great education.”

  Warren’s Aaron Stewart, top, wrestles Minooka’s Kaden Meyer in the 175-pound final of the Hinsdale Central wrestling invitational in Hinsdale. Joe Lewnard/jlewnard@dailyherald.com, Dec. 21, 2024

So why did Stewart make such an early decision to commit to Illinois?

“I just felt like I found a home in Illinois and I was ready to make my decision,” he said. “I have a lot going on right now and it won't slow down at all anytime soon. I'm in the middle of the state wrestling season, and I'm also going to World Team Trials later this year, so I really wanted to secure everything now. I'm very happy with my decision and so are my family and friends. Everyone is very happy for me and my decision to go to Illinois.”

So which other schools did Stewart consider before committing to Illinois?

“Besides Illinois I also considered offers from North Carolina and Iowa State and those schools also planned to let me do both sports. I made unofficial visits to both schools and they had a lot to offer. Illinois for me just always felt like a great fit and felt like home. That really hit me hard after making visits to those other schools then going back to Illinois for another visit.”

Stewart, who is now the second instate pledge for the Illinois Class of 2026 (joining DeKalb WR Davon Grant) was asked what can the Illinois fans expect from him next fall?

“Illinois is getting a leader and a hard worker who has been a leader for my team since freshman year. I'm a hard nosed athlete who is very motivated every day and ready to make my dream come true.”

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