Keenan Stewart’s strength powers Cedar Rapids Jefferson

CEDAR RAPIDS — Keenan Stewart arrived at Cedar Rapids Jefferson as a 180-pound freshman.

Not only has he grown into an all-state defenseman, but he has become one of the strongest athletes to enter the J-Hawks weight room.

'I just decided I wanted to get bigger,' Stewart said. 'I started getting maxes and getting (personal records) and school records. I just keep going and grinding.'

Stewart added more than 20 pounds in the last season, becoming a pillar on the defensive and offensive lines for Jefferson. The J-Hawks (0-1) host Class 4A 10th-ranked Cedar Rapids Prairie on Thursday night at Kingston Stadium.

The 6-foot-3, 262-pounder was named to the Iowa Newspaper Association's 4A all-state third team as a junior defensive lineman. Coaches recognized the promise as early as his days at Wilson Middle School.

'When he came to Jefferson, we knew there was a sparkle in his eye,' Jefferson Coach Brian Webb said. 'There was something about that kid. He just put his mind to it, worked at it and committed to the weight room.'

His frame filled in a little more each season, coming in at 202 as a sophomore on the Jefferson varsity roster. Last season, he was listed in the mid-230s. Now, he's the second-biggest player on the team.

Stewart said he worked out more than once a day in the offseason and has morning lifting along with afternoon practice during the season. He needs a lot of fuel, but doesn't keep track of his daily intake.

'I don't know how many calories I eat, but I eat a lot,' Stewart said. 'My mom complains about it. I'm like, 'I'm hungry' and she says, 'You're always hungry,' '

Jefferson Performance Physical Education Instructor Matt Orton has played a key role. He has helped teach Stewart technique and discusses nutrition. Stewart set the school's dead lift record with a 515-pound effort. He also maxes out at 435 in squats and 275 in bench. Stewart can clean 350 and snatch 255. He put up 315 in the clean-and-jerk as well.

Webb compared him to an NCAA Division I athlete in the weight room.

'With lots of food and development of weights, he just took off,' Webb said. 'He started to realize how strong he could be. Once he realized how strong he could be, he started to set some big lifting goals. He's just hammered it. He's impressive to watch.'

He was also impressive to watch on the field as well. Stewart was third on the team with 44 total tackles last season. He caused fits for opposing offenses, tallying seven solo tackles for loss and three solo sacks. Both were team highs. Strength begets confidence.

'I feel more dominant than the person across from me,' Stewart said. 'That really helps. I just go with the mentality that I'm going to beat them right away.'

Stewart recorded 5 1/2 tackles in an opening-week loss to Pleasant Valley. He was third behind James Baugh and Josh Furrow. Webb said Stewart demands double teams and he's willing to take those on, if it means he frees up a linebacker to make the play.

'Getting into the backfield is good, but I just do what Coach (Chris) Buesing says and do my job,' Stewart said. 'Help other people. If I can't make the tackle then open up the hole so they (linebackers) can. Just be a team player.'

The team-first mentality is on offense as well.

Stewart was a running back last season, rushing 15 times for 83 yards with a touchdown, averaging 5.5 yards per carry. He also had two receptions for 15 yards as a junior. Stewart had a few rushes as a sophomore as well. Stewart's growth forced him to assume the new role this season.

'The running back days were over,' Webb said. 'I said as soon as you went to 240 you automatically went to guard.

'At first, he was a little resistant. Now, he's all in to winning football games.'

Stewart admitted his reluctance to move from the backfield to the trenches. He decided he would do whatever would improve the team and allowed him to hit opponents.

'That was not my idea,' Stewart said with a laugh. 'But, I've got to help the team.

'It's not as bad as it seems. It's still fun blowing people up when they're not expecting it.'

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