Numerous players from the Chicagoland area have been recruited by Michigan and have gone on to become important members of the team. In an effort to maintain that pipeline, the Wolverines and wide receivers coach Ron Bellamy extended an offer to the explosive 6-foot-1, 180-pound wide receiver I’Marion Stewart back in April 2022. During his multiple visits to campus, especially after going to the Big House recruiting event for the BBQ, Bellamy established a solid rapport with the promising young player despite the fact that he was being recruited nationally and numerous big-name schools were vying for his talents. After Bellamy got him working there, the playmaker was given first priority by the staff. The Wolverines would prevail as they persisted and argued why he ought to go their university, but He turned down offers in June from Wisconsin, Colorado, Georgia, Texas A&M, Miami, Florida, Oregon, and other schools. Stewart would go on to have a productive last season with Chicago Kenwood and get ready for his Ann Arbor future.
According to John Ivlow, the head football coach at Bolingbrook (who worked with Stewart for three years prior to his transfer for his final year),
“I believe he caught 950 yards this year and also returned kicks and punts. He’s arguably the best punt returner I’ve ever had; he’s that good. He will break that first tackle even on kickoffs. When several men attempt to take him down, he will either bounce off his thighs or truck them. Look out if he can gain an additional 15 pounds before the start of the next season.
First of all, it was Michigan’s vibe for me,” Stewart said to 247Sports. It always felt like home, that’s how I felt there. Not only did they establish a bond with me, but also with my parents. Every day, they would drop over to see how we were all doing. That was definitely done by Coach Moore and Coach Bellamy.
With wide receiver Semaj Morgan, who has demonstrated his big play potential in several aspects of the game, Michigan struck gold last cycle. Every time he touches the ball, Stewart has the same explosiveness, elusiveness, and quickness to score. His skill set and game are quite versatile, making him a valuable asset both on offense and in the return game. He is a fast, twitchy athlete. In addition to adding another aspect to this offense in the return game and on special teams, Stewart has an opportunity to make an impression in his rookie season.
