Oregon's Jonathan Stewart to the NFL: It's Not Good-by; It's See You on Sundays

As if to put an exclamation point on an already incredible season, Jonathan Stewart cut, powered and exploded his way down field for an amazing 253 yards against South Florida in the Sun Bowl on December 31. And although the Oregon fans were thrilled, deep down it was clear: this was an opportunity to showcase one of the best offensive players in Oregon's history. The rest of the country could see what Oregon fans already knew. Jonathan Stewart is the real deal. He is the total package. At 5' 11'', 230 lbs. he bench presses 375 lbs. and squats 575. His vertical jump is 40.5 inches and he has improved in his patience, vision and balance over the last year. He finished the 2007 season with 1,722 yards, making him number 1 in Oregon history for single season rushing.

But Jonathan Stewart is more than a great football player. He is class. He is gracious and unselfish. He quietly "walks the walk" of his Christian faith. And in this age of trash-talking, and obnoxious antics both on and off the field, his demeanor is refreshing. His sportsmanship sharply contrasts with many of his contemporaries. He is a role model for young people and demonstrates that a player can be successful and competitive, and play with passion while being upstanding in character.

Stewart broke many high school records in his home state of Washington (he rushed for 7,757 yards and 95 touchdowns) and was rated number 1 running back in the country by Parade and PrepStar Magazine's Dream Team. He was recruited by Oklahoma State, Oregon, Oregon State, Tennessee, USC, Washington and Washington State. Besides Oregon, he visited Tennessee, USC and Washington State. He used faith and prayer to help make his decision to attend Oregon.

He used that same faith and prayer in helping him to decide whether to turn pro. He talked to former Oregon players Jordan Kent, and Dante Rosario who are now in the NFL, and he discussed the pros and cons with his former youth pastor, Cecil Daniels. And he talked with his mother. He took into consideration the possibility that the draft in 2009 would place him higher, and he could actually be losing some money by going this year. U of O coaches and officials presented a "Heisman Campaign", but in the end, those things didn't matter much. It was the faith, the prayer, and, as Jonathan Stewart said "I just found peace".

Stewart was a finalist in the Maxwell Award, but to put his accomplishments in perspective, consider that he is 9th in the top 10 in overall rushing in the Pac 10. A mere 18 yards separates him from number 8, Reggie Bush. The list has some pretty heady names: number 1 is Marcus Allen; 2 is Charles White; 3 is J.J. Arrington; 4 is Ricky Bell; 5 is Jerome Harrison, 6 is O.J. Simpson and number 7 is Charles White. The top 10 list is completed with Corey Dillon. but of that top 10, Stewart is second in average yards per carry at 6.2 (taking first place is Reggie Bush.)

By some accounts, Stewart should go in the first round. There are of course, some great running backs who are entering the draft. Mike Hart from Michigan, Mike Forte from Tulane; other juniors declaring include Darren McFadden, Jamaal Charles, Felix Jones, and Rashard Mendenhall to name a few. But Stewart will hold his own. According to a Eugene Register Guard article, Oregon coach Mike Bellotti declared that Stewart is "as strong and as fast and as explosive as anybody at that level".

The Combine might actually improve his stock. He is hard-working, dedicated and competitive. He has strength and speed. But beyond that, there is that intangible component: character. And then there is that faith thing.

So from Mama, and many Oregon football fans, we wish him luck and extend our gratitude for so many thrilling games. And to Jonathan Stewart, it's not good-by; it's see you on Sundays.

Sources: Eugene Register Guard
ESPN News, Goducks.com