Jonathan Stewart running into record books

Timberline's Jonathan Stewart, one of the nation's top high-school running backs, isn't stressing about his college choice. "We're going to let God decide," he says. (JAMES BRANAMAN / THE SEATTLE TIMES)

LACEY — He is as endearing as he is elusive. As likeable a person as he is lethal a player.

Timberline senior Jonathan Stewart, considered one of the top recruits in the country, is almost certain to become the state's all-time leading rusher this fall. But those acquainted with him are as impressed with his personal attributes as much as his physical talents.

"Honestly, the first thing that comes to mind is that he's just a great kid," North Thurston coach Rocky Patchin said. "He's a good student, a good family kid and he's friends with everyone. He's a tremendous athlete, but he's not a kid who throws it in anybody's face — and he could. I don't know anyone who doesn't like him."

College scouts and national recruiting services have fallen in love with Stewart as a football player. At 5 feet 10 and 220 pounds, he has strength (575 pound squat, 370 bench and 315 power clean) and speed (4.5 40-yard dash) along with an uncanny ability to make tacklers miss.

"Combine his size, speed and instincts, and he's got the makings of something special," said Jamie Newberg, recruiting analyst for theinsiders.com. "He's the No. 1 running back in the nation."

Stewart, who needs 649 yards to surpass the state's career rushing record of 6,128, has nine scholarship offers — Washington, Washington State, Oregon, Oregon State, Arizona, Arizona State, Stanford, California and Duke — and has filled a suitcase at home with recruiting letters from colleges around the country. He is rated the No. 1 running-back prospect in the nation by StudentSports and appears on the cover of the September issue of SchoolSports Magazine, which previously has feted such future stars as LeBron James and Amare Stoudemire.

While Stewart admits the notoriety are "pretty nice," he could do without the hoopla.

"I don't like that much attention," he said. "I get uncomfortable."

But he has felt right at home on the football field since his freshman year, when he rushed for 1,279 yards, averaging 13.5 yards and scoring 15 touchdowns — coming off the bench while playing behind two seniors.

"You could tell right away he was pretty special and gifted," Timberline coach Kevin Young said. "He was faster than any freshman I had ever seen."

But the only numbers Stewart cares about this season are the ones in the win column.

"I don't really think about myself," he said. "I try to be humble and play as a team player."

The increased exposure hasn't decreased his modesty.

"He doesn't think he's above everybody else," teammate Jeron Taylor said. "He just keeps it real."

Much of that is attributable to his mother, Lora Faison, who raised Jonathan and his older step-brother as a single mom for most of their lives and provided guidance and structure. When Jonathan was a 14-year-old freshman, for instance, he had to come home early while the rest of the team went out to Denny's. Mom refused to let him stay out until midnight.

"I'm very proud of him, especially for being humble and not being boastful about what God is doing in his life," Faison said.

Others do the boasting for him. Young was an assistant coach at Prosser when the Mustangs played against a Franklin team that featured running back Cory Dillon as a junior.

"I hate to compare a high-school kid to an NFL All-Pro, but at that stage that's who I'd compare him to because of his size and speed," Young said. "He's the total package."

Stewart, a 3.3 student who placed third in the 100 meters at the Class 3A state track meet last spring, admits he would love to play pro football one day. But he is focused on his education and said he wants to become a physical-education teacher.

He is not stressing about making a college choice.

"Me and my mom pray about it and we're going to let God decide where He wants me to go," Stewart said. "When he decides, in His way, we'll know."

Asked to name his top five, he lists Oregon, Washington State, California, Ohio State and Michigan.

And Washington?

"They're still in the game," he said. "I'm not making the decision; God's making the decision. I'm still open to everybody and what they have to say."

Sandy Ringer: 206-718-1512 or sringer@seattletimes.com

See Stewart run
A look at Jonathan Stewart's year-by-year rushing statistics and career totals for Timberline of Lacey:
Year No. Yards Avg. TDs
2001 95 1,279 13.5 15
2002 153 1,609 10.5 14
2003 285 2,592 9.1 36
Career 533 5,480 10.3 66*
* Includes one punt-return touchdown
Rushing to the top
Jonathan Stewart of Timberline needs 649 yards to surpass the state's career rushing record of 6,128. The state's top 10:
No. Player School (Class) Years Yards
1. Jerod Moore Cathlamet (B-11) 1996-1999 6,128
2. Mike Brown Adna (1A) 1992-1995 6,038
3. Brandon Jumper Eatonville (1A) 1984-1987 5,910
4. Jonathan Stewart Timberline (3A) 2001-2003 5,480
5. Pete Cruickshank Cashmere (2A) 1999-2002 5,456
6. Akeem Anthony Lakes (3A) 1999-2002 5,449
7. Pat Bennett Forks (2A) 1997-2000 5,420
8. Tyree Clowe Central Valley (4A) 1996-1998 5,411
9. Todd Basler Elma (2A) 1999-2002 5,287
10. Brandon Lewis Oroville (1A, B-11) 1990-1993) 4,759