Oregon Nike Camp MVP goes to...

Lacey (Wash.) Timberline running back Jonathan Stewart came in to the Nike Camp in Oregon with a huge reputation and more than lived up to it. A year ago, Stewart became the first ever junior to earn Nike Camp MVP honors and duplicated the honor once again this year.

Stewart is a national top 50 player and should be mentioned among the top 10 running backs in the country. He came in at a rock solid 5-10 and 224 pounds, ran a 4.52 in the 40-yard dash, 4.34 in the shuttle, jumped 37 inches in the vertical and did 29 reps on the bench.

He was equally impressive in the position and one-on-one drills, showing a great burst and running with power and balance. Stewart has great vision as well but it's his overall explosiveness that really jumps out at you.

“I think I could have done better in the 40 and shuttle but my technique was pretty bad,” Stewart said. “I got a bad start in the 40 and slipped in the shuttle both times. I was still happy with how I did and I had a good time out here. Last year, I was kind of an unknown but this year, it seemed like everyone knew me and wanted to talk to me during the camp.”

On the recruiting front, Stewart has offers from Duke and every school in the Pac-10 other than USC and UCLA.

“Oregon, Washington State, Cal, Tennessee and Florida State are my top schools,” Stewart said. “Tennessee and Florida State haven't offered but they're both sending letters. I'm also hearing Notre Dame will offer as soon as they get my SAT score.

"Right now the plan for me is to take all my trips before I commit anywhere. I’m just putting the decision in God's hands and will do what He feels is best for me. Early playing time isn’t that big of a deal for me. I would like to play early, but it’s not a huge factor for me. I'm just looking for a school where I'll feel comfortable and where I'll get along with the coaching staff. It's not a big deal but playing in nice weather is also important. I don't like it too hot or too cold but that would just be a bonus for me.”

Academically, Stewart is carrying a 3.4 GPA and is waiting on his most recent SAT results.