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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Cougs cross fingers on Stewart decision


Stewart
 (The Spokesman-Review)

Both Washington State University and the University of Oregon are still waiting anxiously to find out if they will be the college of choice for Jonathan Stewart of Lacey, Wash., considered by many to be the top high school senior running back in the nation.

WSU running backs coach Kelly Skipper and offensive line coach George Yarno had an in-home visit with Stewart on Thursday, but according to a source close to the situation, the Timberline High School star did not indicate what his choice would be.

Stewart has said he will announce his decision on KING-TV Channel 5’s 5 p.m. newscast today in Seattle. He has informed only a select few family members and friends of his decision, one that he made earlier in the week before the final in-home visit by WSU.

In his four seasons at Timberline, Stewart shattered the Washington state rushing record with 7,757 yards, eclipsing the previous mark of 6,128 held by Jerod Moore. At 5-foot-11, 220 pounds, he is considered to have the ideal combination of size and speed for a running back.

The Cougars may be hoping that Oregon’s recent hiring of Gary Crowton as offensive coordinator helps their chances of landing Stewart. Crowton, formerly the head coach at Brigham Young University, runs a pass-oriented offense, often with four- and five-wide receiver sets.

Recruited by dozens of programs around the country, Stewart most recently eliminated Tennessee, USC and Washington from his list of possibilities. The running back never made an official visit to Washington, and only began to consider it as an option after the hiring of Tyrone Willingham as head coach.

Stewart made his official visit to Pullman in October.