Shemar Stewart

EARLY LIFE & BACKGROUND

Hometown

• Born: November 12, 2003, in Miami, Florida

• Raised in Miramar, a city in Broward County, just north of Miami.

Family & Roots

• Shemar grew up in a Caribbean-American household with a strong sense of discipline, spirituality, and community values.

• His mother is of Jamaican descent, and faith played a major role in his upbringing.

• He was known for being quiet, respectful, and family-oriented — rarely speaking out in the media during his high school days.

• Despite challenges in his Miami neighborhood (including crime and limited resources), Shemar found a positive outlet in football and weight training.

EDUCATION & HIGH SCHOOL YEARS

Monsignor Edward Pace High School – Miami Gardens, FL

• A private Catholic school known for producing elite athletes and academics.

• Stewart played for the Spartans and quickly made headlines:

  • 6′5″, 240+ lb as a junior, with freakish strength (deadlifting over 600 lbs).

  • Named to Under Armour All-America and MaxPreps All-American lists.

  • Stats: 48 tackles, 15 sacks as a sophomore; dominated as a senior despite double teams.

Off the Field

• Teachers described him as soft-spoken, “humble, respectful, but intense when it came to competition.”

• His quiet confidence contrasted with his dominant physical presence.

RECRUITMENT RISE (2020–2022)

Shemar was part of the historic 2022 recruiting class, which included names like Travis Hunter, Walter Nolen, and Luther Burden.

• Ranked a five-star prospect by every major outlet:

  • #1 Defensive End in the nation (247Sports Composite)

  • #1 Player in Florida

  • Top 10 Nationally (some services ranked him as high as #3)

Recruiting Battle

• Schools that heavily pursued him:

  • Texas A&M (eventual choice)

  • Miami Hurricanes (hometown favorite)

  • Georgia, Alabama, and LSU

• Known for being methodical and quiet about his decision-making process.

• Ultimately chose Texas A&M in a nationally televised announcement, citing “trust in the coaching staff” and a desire to build something new away from home.

COLLEGE CAREER – TEXAS A&M AGGIES (2022–2024)

Freshman Year (2022)

• Made the SEC All-Freshman Team

• 23 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, and several pressures — mostly rotational, but stood out physically

Sophomore Year (2023)

• Began starting full-time

• Notable game: Pick-six against Mississippi State, showing athleticism in pass coverage

• Named Most Improved Defender at team awards

• Stats: 36 tackles, 4 TFLs, 2.5 sacks

Junior Year (2024)

• Anchored the defense with 13 starts

• Earned All-SEC Third Team honors

• Stats: 45 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, 7 QB hurries, 1 forced fumble

ATHLETIC PROFILE

Trait	Measurement
Height	6′5″
Weight	267–285 lb
40-Yard Dash	4.59 sec
Vertical Jump	40″
Broad Jump	10′11″
Bench Press	29 reps (est.)
RAS Score	10.00 (elite)

SCOUTING REPORT SUMMARY

Strengths

• Elite size-speed combo

• Explosive get-off at the snap

• Can play hand-down or stand-up edge

• Strong base, rarely pushed around

• Hustle player who doesn’t give up on plays

Weaknesses

• Raw pass-rush moves – relies heavily on athleticism

• Needs better hand technique and leverage

• Production didn't always match physical gifts

• Motor varies at times – some inconsistency against high-level tackles

2025 NFL DRAFT

• Drafted 17th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals

• Bengals envision him as the long-term successor to Trey Hendrickson

• Initially praised as a value pick with sky-high potential

CURRENT SITUATION: CONTRACT DISPUTE

• As of July 2025, Stewart has not signed his rookie deal

• Reportedly upset over "injury protection clauses" that could void his guaranteed money

• Stewart skipped Bengals’ rookie minicamp and was seen training at Texas A&M, prompting rumors he might return to school or hold out

• Bengals and Stewart’s reps are negotiating, but friction remains

"We believe in Shemar’s talent, but we have to protect the team. And he’s protecting his future." — Bengals insider

OUTLOOK & LEGACY

What Lies Ahead?

• Stewart has all the tools to become an elite NFL pass rusher, but must:

  • Develop his pass-rush craft

  • Settle contract disputes

  • Match his athletic ceiling with consistent on-field production

Personal Traits

• Described as:

  • Introverted

  • Disciplined

  • Team-oriented

  • Spiritual and grounded, with a focus on family and humility