Oklahoma State University Athletics
Josh Stewart's Journey: From Katrina to Fiesta
December 28, 2011 | Cowboy Football
Dec. 28, 2011
Josh Stewart may only be a freshman, but throughout the 2011 season he has offered glimpses of just what type of explosive playmaker he can be in an Oklahoma State uniform. The 5-foot-10, 170 pounder has played in all 12 games for the Cowboys this season and has 19 catches for 291 yards, an average of 15.3 yards per grab, to go along with a pair of touchdowns.
A native of New Orleans, Stewart and his family moved to Dallas after Hurricane Katrina ravaged that city. The Stewarts eventually settled in Denton, Texas, where Josh became a football star and developed a strong friendship with fellow OSU freshman J.W. Walsh and his family.
In an OKState.com exclusive interview, Stewart talked about finding a home in Denton, his relationship with the Walsh family and his first season in Stillwater. For the complete interview, check out the video below.
Talk about your relationship with the Walsh's.
JS: In middle school we played against each other a lot, and I would have never guessed we'd be going to the same college or be best friends like we are. It's a blessing to have people like the Walsh's. They were like a second family to me when I was in Texas, and they are always there for me. It's just good to be here with (J.W.) and knowing that I've got a lot of support from everybody back home. It's a great feeling.
Has your first year at Oklahoma State been what you expected?
JS: I wouldn't lie and say it's what I expected. It just doesn't get any better, especially for a freshman coming in and going this far. It's just such a blessing for me to experience all of this my first year here.
What's it been like for you personally to play on the best team in school history?
JS: It's been amazing. It's gonna make me a better player being behind (Justin) Blackmon, Josh Cooper and those guys. They just teach me lessons and make me better. Markelle Martin will sometimes tell me what I could do from his safety's point of view to get better. There's nothing better I could ask for from those guys and being there for me. They're like brothers.
Playing D-I is obviously a big step up from high school and with those guys leading you and helping you get better, how far have you improved from the time you stepped on campus to now?
JS: I've improved a lot. In high school, my senior and freshman years were the only ones I played receiver so I really haven't had much experience at the receiver spot. Coming here, I feel like I've improved so much. With those guys helping me out, they just give me confidence, and when they do that, I feel like I can play to a higher level.
You've played a lot as a freshman but look to do bigger things in the future. Do you feel this year is going to help you become one of the main guys in the next couple of years.
JS: We never know. There's a lot of good players on this team and either way, it works for me. But I really think it's gonna help me become a better player, and we're going to be a pretty good team.
