New Vikings RB Had Jaw-Dropping Numbers in College
The Minnesota Vikings have found some intriguing players in the most recent draft. As always, the first-rounder, guard Donovan Jackson, will be the primary player when it comes to evaluating the group of newcomers. But later in the draft, GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah found some solid players.
The Vikings’ New Running Back Had Ridiculous Numbers in College
Once the draft concluded, the GM added various undrafted free agents, at which he excelled in the past. Part of that group was running back Tre Stewart. He played for Jacksonville State in the Conference USA.
The Gamecocks relied on the rushing game, running the ball more than twice as much as passing it. Together with dual-threat quarterback Tyler Huff, Stewart formed a ridiculous rushing tandem.
Undrafted rookies are a long shot to make the 53-man roster, but Stewart’s statistical output is substantial enough to take him seriously. He collected 1,638 yards and 25 touchdowns on the ground and another 18 catches for 234 yards and one extra score. That is not his career total; it’s just his 2024 statline.
Prior to his one season at the D1 level, he played for D2 school Limestone University. There, he produced over 3,600 yards from scrimmage and 29 touchdowns in three years.
It’s as bright as day that Stewart has not yet played against high-end competition that could really stop him; that lack of competition is likely the main reason for his drop into the UDFA bucket. Stewart is undersized at 5-9, 192 lbs, and was clocked with a solid 4.52 40-yard dash, but he still got the job done in college.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote about him: “Stewart played only one season at Jacksonville State after starring at Limestone University, but he maintained his level of performance, posting 1,000-plus rushing yards for the third consecutive year. He’s undersized but processes lane development quickly and is efficient in getting to his action as a runner. He’s below average as a third-down option and his fumbles in 2024 were a concern. He has natural talent as a runner but without better versatility, it will be tough for him to make a roster.”
Often, runners come into the NFL and have stuff to refine the pass-catching and blocking parts of their game. If he can showcase some growth in those areas, he is a realistic candidate for a 53-man roster spot.
His main competitor will be fourth-year player Ty Chandler, a former fifth-rounder. Chandler started each of the last two seasons as Minnesota’s RB2, once behind Alexander Mattison and once behind Aaron Jones.
However, in each of those years, the Vikings traded for Cam Akers, indicating that he is not really a trusted option. The coaching staff continues to be hesitant to give him touches, and a lack of pass protection skills could be a potential reason for that. His vision also isn’t the best, but he is a dynamic rusher once he gets going.
This year, Chandler enters the offseason program as the third guy on the depth chart behind Jones and Jordan Mason.
It will be fascinating to see whether Stewart looks like an NFL back in the preseason. That’s when Skol Nation can see if his draft status or the college production tells the real story.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference CFB helped with this article.