[Tuck4Bama]

The first time South Carolina assistant Ron Cooper saw Darian Stewart play in person, it took about two minutes for the Gamecocks’ secondary coach to realize Stewart was the best player on either team.

Of course, Stewart was playing basketball at the time.

After Stewart’s breakthrough performance in USC’s 16-12 win at Georgia on national television, thousands of American sports fans now know what Cooper figured out two years ago in a high school gym in north Alabama:

The sophomore safety from Huntsville is a natural athlete who excels in the spotlight.

In his first career start against the Bulldogs, Stewart led the Gamecocks with nine tackles, tied for the team lead with two pass breakups and turned in one of the defensive plays of the night.

As a result, Stewart will make his second career start Saturday against S.C. State, according to Cooper.

GoGamecocks.com | Football | Stewart looks to build on breakthrough