The Loveliest Village

Born and raised in Alcoa, Tennessee, Carl Stewart grew up a UT fan. However, not long after his high school career began, Auburn won over his heart. Knowing that he wanted to stay in the SEC, Stewart decided to try something new and accept the offer to play at Auburn. Although he is far from home, his family is never far from his mind. This family man has a heart of gold and despite his success or struggles on the field, he firmly believes that family always comes first. With at least two or three phone calls a day, Stewart has continually been supported and inspired throughout his college career by his father and mother. In addition, his older sister has played the role of a second mother in his life, continually providing wisdom and support in his times of need.
 Although he plays tough on the field, Stewart is very much the quiet type. Usually, he gets his point across with as few words as possible. However, Stewart describes himself as very inquisitive. “If there is ever something I don’t know, I either ask or write it down so that I can look it up later,� said Stewart. As a senior, he has recognized his role as a leader on the team. Because he never has much to say, his leadership skills exemplify the saying that “actions speak louder than words.� With four years experience on the team, Stewart has continually stayed out of trouble. Because of this, he is a living example to the young players on the team about how they should choose to behave. On the field, he also acts as a leader by showing the new players what kind of a work ethic it takes to make it. As an incoming freshman, Stewart was somewhat on the small side. However, because of his hard work in practice and in the weight room, he continues to have success. This kind of an example, both on and off the field, is what a true man of character is all about.

 Throughout his four years at Auburn, Stewart has developed very strong friendships with some of his teammates. His best friend on the team, Eric Brock, became a member of the team the same year Stewart did. Thus, these leaders have been there for each other through the good times and the bad. Supporting him even when success was a mere idea to joining in on the excitement of bowl game victories and award nominations, Brock has been there for Stewart when he needed him most. This season, both players have stepped up as team leaders and continue to show the new players what it takes to make it in the world of SEC football.
 On and off the field, Carl Stewart is a key factor in the success of Auburn football. His hard work and leadership skills continually outweigh others, putting him ahead of the pack. In high school, Stewart received many recognitions such as ESPN’s top ten running backs in the nation, Associated Press first team all state, and PrepStar All-Region honorable mention. Even more impressive, he has received mentions at Auburn such as ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District IV First Team and Coaches’ Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts in the 2006 Alabama game. With a career total of 398 receiving yards, Stewart continues to hold the position as seventh in overall yards in Auburn history. It seems that when it comes to the important, tough games, Stewart is always the one to step up and make the plays happen. In the 2006 Cotton Bowl, Stewart scored both of Auburn’s touchdowns. However, these moments in his career do not stand out as much in his mind as the Citadel game in 2004. Stewart rushed for 91 yards and scored his first career touchdown on a one yard run. And, how could he ever forget the 13-0 season? Although all his work has paid off, Stewart will never forget all of the intense work outs that he has endured over the years. With all of these accomplishments under his belt, Stewart is eager to unveil what his future may hold.
 In addition to his success on the field, Stewart also has had huge success in the classroom. Coming in with hours from Advanced Placement classes, he was already ahead of most his age. And despite the numerous hours he spent working out for football, Stewart still managed to take full loads every semester. Spending summers in Auburn working on football, he took advantage of the free time to get further ahead in school. All of this dedication to his studies allowed him to graduate with a political science degree in only three years. An uncommon major among college athletes, Stewart describes what led him to choose political science: “When I was in high school, there was always one teacher that stood out to me. I always would argue with her about every topic we discussed in class. She used to tell me that I would make a great lawyer because I am a great persuader.� With this thought planted in the back of his mind, Stewart selected this major because of its flexibility. If football does not work out in the future, he would love to be involved in the American Civil Liberties Union or possible furthering his education in law school.
 Although Stewart plays the role of the tough guy on the field, he is quite the opposite when it comes to every day life. In his spare time, he enjoys playing solitaire. In addition, he has always had a love for music. Growing up, Stewart took weekly violin lessons and continues to play today. “Others may not agree, but I like to think of myself as musically talented.� In contrast to what many might have pictured, he loves playing with his pet Chihuahua. 
 Despite all of his success as a college football player, Stewart’s character is what makes him stand out. When asked what he wants to be remembered for, he said “I just want to be known as a great, respectable guy.� And I think he will get his wish.

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