Michigan State signs 2024 three-star OT Payton Stewart
2024 Kelso (Wash.) High School three-star offensive tackle Payton Stewart signed with Michigan State on Wednesday. The 6-foot-7, 240-pound lineman is the tallest player committed to the Spartans’ 2024 class.
Stewart committed on Tuesday after taking an official visit to East Lansing during the weekend of Dec. 15. The former Oregon State commit chose to follow Jonathan Smith from Corvallis, Ore., to East Lansing. He chose Michigan State over offers from Arizona State, Duke, Northwestern, Oregon State and Washington State, among others.
Stewart is the No. 868 prospect, No. 54 offensive tackle and No. 12 player from Washington, per the On3 Industry Rankings.
In Stewart, new Michigan State offensive line coach Jim Michalczik is getting a talented prospect with tons of upside. Stewart also plays basketball for his high school. He uses his basketball skills to stay nimble on his feet and in shape for football.
Scouting summary
Stewart has good size at 6-foot-7 but carries a smaller build at 240 pounds, although it’s reported that number has moved up to about 270. Regardless, he will need to add on some mass when he arrives in East Lansing. He has shown good footwork and a good motor to work with.
Reminds us of
Ole Miss offensive tackle Cedrick Nicely’s basketball background helped him gain a scholarship offer during the 2021 cycle. Stewart has a few inches on Nicely (6-foot-7 to Nicely’s 6-foot-4 frame) but Nicely was slim when he arrived at Ole Miss. He started at about 285 pounds and has bulked up to 310 pounds. Stewart’s quick footwork also resembles Nicley’s Nicely was the No. 774 prospect, No. 74 offensive tackle and No. 69 player from Georgia, per the 2021 On3 Industry Rankings.
Personal life
Stewart plays basketball at a high level for his high school. He has emerged as a top dual-sport athlete in the state of Washington.
