By james art 
South Carolina football freshman Dylan Stewart has a real argument as the best first-year quarterback in the country. The Washington EDGE player is one half of the Gamecocks’ dominant defensive duo along with potential All-American Kyle Kennard. On Saturday, Stewart spoiled the game in Carolina’s top-10 win over the Texas A&M Aggies. For his efforts, the Maxwell Football Club awarded him the Shawn Alexander Freshman of the Week Award.
Had just one sack for the No. 6 game, but was credited with nine pressures. Only three other true freshmen have totaled nine pressures for an entire season.
This wasn’t Stewart’s first weekly Alexander Award. Earlier this season, Stewart earned the honor after a dominant performance against Old Dominion.
As the winner of the Shawn Alexander Freshman of the Week Award, Stewart is also nominated for the Shawn Alexander Freshman of the Year Award.
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From the South Carolina Athletics press release:
University of South Carolina edge rusher Dylan Stewart was named the Sean Alexander Freshman of the Year National Player of the Week award for his efforts in the Gamecocks’ 44-20 victory over No. 10 Texas A&M last Saturday, the Maxwell Football Club announced today.
Stewart, a 6-6, 248-pound true freshman from Washington, D.C., recorded two solo tackles, including a key sack in the fourth quarter that helped give South Carolina the lead. According to college PFF, the five-star freshman has posted nine quarterback pressures, an impressive 90.0 passer rating and a 34 percent field goal percentage. His constant pressure on Texas A&M’s offense disrupted their play at critical times. Stewart continues to display his elite skills, with sacks in three of the last four games.
Each week during the 2024 season, Maxwell Football Club will recognize an outstanding performance from a freshman with the Sean Alexander Freshman Player of the Week Award. A Shaun Alexander Player of the Week will be recognized for overall performance on offense, defense or special teams, and players selected are not necessarily featured on the Hot 37 Watch List for the Shaun Alexander Award.