Florida football recruiting: Defensive back Brad Stewart commits to Gators

Hours after landing 2017 linebacker Nick Smith, the Florida Gators added their second commitment of the weekend by getting a pledge from Louisiana defensive back Brad Stewart.

Florida safety Jeawon Taylor inadvertently broke the news of Stewart’s commitment with a tweet welcoming Stewart to DBU.

Stewart, currently on an official visit to Florida, quoted Taylor’s tweet, quietly announcing his own commitment...

...before making things a little clearer.

Stewart had been a long-time Florida lean despite being from the Pelican State, and was initially set to commit (to the Gators) in October, before delaying that decision indefinitely. A four-star player in the 247Sports Composite, Stewart played cornerback in high school, but might profile as a safety for Florida.

Stewart is likely to become Florida’s first signee from Louisiana since 2014, when New Orleans native Derek Lewis was instrumental in helping get defensive end Gerald Willis to Gainesville. New Orleans native Tim Skipper was likely similarly instrumental to the Gators bringing Stewart into the fold.

Stewart’s commitment brings Florida’s 2017 recruiting class to 16 commitments.