VERMILLION, S.D. — Redshirt freshman RJ Stewart has had a phenomenal season as a starter at cornerback for South Dakota, earning national recognition as a Freshman All-American by FCS Football Central on Monday afternoon.
 
Stewart has stepped into a starting role at corner this season, starting all 14 games for the Coyotes. The redshirt freshman in just his second season in Vermillion, redshirting in 2024.
 
The Maryland native has been crucial to the ever-improving South Dakota pass defense that has steadily improved all season and now sits top-40 in the FCS heading into the FCS Quarterfinals. Stewart sits second on the team in pass break-ups (5) and interceptions (3), while also forcing a fumble.
 
All three of his interceptions this season have come in the months of November and December and all against top-25 ranked teams. His first-career interception game in the win against No. 8 North Dakota, while he concluded the season with a pick against Southern Illinois. His first-career FCS Playoff interception came last week at Mercer, recording one of the team's four.  
 
Additionally, Stewart has recorded 54 tackles this season with 2.5 tackles for loss.
 
South Dakota heads back to the state of Montana again this season for an FCS Quarterfinals clash with No. 3 Montana. Kickoff is slated for 2:30 p.m. (CT) on ABC.