By Joanna Chadwick

Salina Central senior tight end Quinn Stewart is a matchup nightmare, according to coach Mark Sandbo.

“His fine and gross motor skills are exceptional,” Sandbo said. “He’s a great route runner, an impressive looking kid who we will move around…. He can play with a hand down as a true tight end and then as a split receiver.”

Stewart made a non-binding oral commitment in June to play tight end at Oklahoma State.

“I’m really excited to get down there,” said Stewart, who also plays defensive end. “After taking visits, meeting the coaches and seeing Stillwater, I loved the environment and the coaches.”

Stewart, who is 6-foot-4, 235 pounds, picked up an offer from Kansas after the Sharp Combine in Salina. He had several personal records — he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.69 seconds and his vertical is 35 inches.

“HIs work ethic is at another level,” Sandbo said. “His route running, too. Last year was his first playing tight end or receiver. He was very natural, and that stems from his ability to play other sports…. He’s also tough. He played two weeks with a broken elbow.”

Stewart’s 2018 season ended due to elbow surgery.

His focus now is squarely on helping Salina Central to a second-straight winning season.

“I want us to do as well as we can and win as many games as we can,” he said.

After the high school season he’ll turn his attention to college.

Stewart has considered graduating early to get to OSU for the spring, but he’s planning on playing basketball for the Mustangs.