A Recruiting Milestone
James Stewart, a senior defensive lineman who transferred to Riverdale this offseason, revealed his commitment to the Arkansas Razorbacks on June 8 via his X account, a move that underscores the growing pull of the SEC program in the heart of Tennessee.
Ranked as the No. 35 prospect in Tennessee and No. 89 nationally in the 2027 class by the 247Sports Composite, Stewart brings a blend of size, athleticism and pass‑rush ability that helped Blackman High School finish the 2025 campaign with a 12‑win season and a berth in the Class 6A state semifinals.
His statistical line — 65 tackles, four sacks and two forced fumbles — highlights a disruptive presence on the defensive line, a performance that attracted a suite of scholarship offers from Colorado, Boston College, Illinois, Maryland, Memphis, Tulane, Liberty and MTSU.
Choosing Arkansas over a host of Power Five contenders, Stewart cited the Razorbacks’ defensive scheme and the opportunity to play early as key factors, while also noting the program’s recent upward trajectory under head coach Sam Pittman.
The commitment not only bolsters Arkansas’s 2027 recruiting class but also signals a continued pipeline of elite talent from the Tennessee region, a trend that could reshape the balance of power in the SEC’s defensive front.