Steward was considered one of the best linebacker prospects in his class,[1] and earned the 2010 high school version of the Dick Butkus Award.

On mediocre 5–6 and 5–7 teams, respectively, in his junior and senior years, Steward was an all-state selection at linebacker.

[4] Recruited by virtually every school in the country, he took official visits to UCLA, Clemson University, and Florida State.

[5] As a true freshman at Clemson University, Steward played a back-up role and had five tackles in 36 snaps over five games.

[6][7] In 2012, Steward returned from injury and was a back-up to senior Jonathan Willard at weakside linebacker, and saw action on special teams.