Former San Jose State offensive lineman Ryan Stewart officially signed with Arizona during National Signing Day on Wednesday.Β
Stewart was one of three ex-Spartans to join the Wildcats under first-year head coach Brent Brennan, joining running back Quali Conley and defensive end Tre Smith.
Stewart, a Mokena, Illinois native, started three games at right guard in 2022 before suffering a season-ending injury that also sidelined him from playing in 2023.Β
"His growth has been tremendous," said Arizona offensive line coach Josh Oglesby, who also coached Stewart at SJSU. "When we signed him initially, he was like a 225-pound tackle and now today he's at about 305 pounds, so that growth in itself is huge."
The Wildcats return four members of the starting offensive line that helped Arizona post a 10-3 record and win the Alamo Bowl. Left guard Wendell Moe, center Josh Baker, right guard Raymond Pulido and right tackle Jonah Savaiinaea. Pulido started at left tackle in the Alamo Bowl, replacing potential first-round NFL Draft pick Jordan Morgan. If Puldio remains at left tackle, the void on Arizona's offensive line is right guard, however redshirt junior Leif Magnuson, who started four games at guard in 2023, will be among the top competitors to start along with redshirt junior JT Hand. Arizona also signed Phoenix-area native and Northwestern transfer Alexander Doost, a 6-7, 295-pound second-year offensive lineman, who was recruited as an interior player but could earn reps at tackle.Β Β
"He's going to be a great addition to the room," Oglesby said of Stewart. "He's going to help push that group forward. He's gonna help add depth to the room and increase the competition. That's one thing he is, he's very competitive.
"His personality is going to fit in great with those guys. He got a chance to be around a few of them on his official visit. It's going to be a great addition to the room."Β
