Blue Chips: Father of four-star Michigan WR commit I’Marion Stewart talks decision, official visit

I recently caught up with Ira Stewart, father of new four-star Michigan wide receiver commit I’Marion Stewart, to get his thoughts on their decision, official visit and more.

Here are some highlights from the interview.

On why Michigan was the choice:

“It was time. I think I’Marion had that feeling for a while. I know how I felt. I’ve always been a fan of Michigan. I didn’t put any pressure on him as far as the final decision. I won’t be out there trying to learn the playbook. It’s going to be him going to school and everything. The final decision was from the heart. It was just the feeling.”

On what stood out about the Michigan program:

“For me personally, that block M has always been special in my heart. I’m a big fan of the Fab Five and have watched all the historic football moments. The relationships that were built with Coach (Ron) Bellamy, the meetings with Coach Jim Harbaugh, being on campus and interacting with the guys — I’m a big fan of Tyler Morris — and the brotherhood I felt in that receiver room all stood out. That brotherhood was contagious. It was a good feeling knowing he would be going into that brotherhood. Iron sharpens iron. There is a lot of iron at Michigan. I felt good and confident in his decision. He’ll be around a whole bunch of playmakers and ball players. I think we all had a feeling that he’ll be able to develop really well at Michigan.”

On dressing up as Wolverine for Stewart’s commitment:

“In the 7v7 world, this was his last run. If you know me, one thing I’m going to do is go all out for my babies, my kids. I felt like the real Wolverine at that moment (laughs). That’s just another moment where I was showing my son some support. I support him to the moon and back. I thought I was going to retire it, but I might have to bring it back up to The Big House. I might just do it. I’m just so happy with the decision and ready to be part of the family.”

On what stood out about Michigan wide receivers coach Ron Bellamy:

“He showed a lot of love. He made it clear that I’Marion was a top target. The one thing that stood out was he made himself available for any questions or concerns. I think one of the tougher questions I asked was ‘how does he fit in and what made you recruit I’Marion?’ Coach Bellamy had a whole powerpoint together and broke down everything. He’s genuine. He’s a really good guy. From the visits up there and watching him coach, I’Marion will develop under his coaching style. I love that guy, man. I feel like I’ve known him forever.”

On Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh:

“I’m a big (Chicago) Bears fan. I’m just a big professional Chicago sports fan, so I was a little starstruck at first. I cracked a joke, and he jumped right in. Harbaugh is the man. He’s like a walking celebrity. He has an energy that radiates. I love it. He’s very personable. I feel like there is genuine conversations between him and the family. I love Jim Harbaugh. He’s a funny guy, and he’s a hell of a coach. He’s a winner.”

On the Michigan official visit:

“We really got a chance to get personal time with not only the coaches, but also the players. We went through their regimen, especially the eating. I had to tell the coaches ‘I can’t eat like these football players. We have to stop at some point (laughs).’ We really got to hit the campus on this trip. We definitely learned some of the history. We dove into the Wolverine lifestyle and how it goes day-to-day. I had a ball.”

On which presentations stood out:

“All of them stood out. They have stellar academics. That goes unsaid. That was definitely a great presentation. But I have to say Coach G Herbo (Ben Herbert) knows what he’s doing. Some of the transformations that he showed were amazing. It was like ‘what can you do with this guy?’ and he turns them into mannequins like a sculpture. I love his energy. With his energy and me knowing I’Marion, he’s going to turn I’Marion into a superhero. That really stood out. It’s amazing what he knows and what he puts together for these boys. It feels like (Herbert and staff) are doing this for more than just a job. They are changing lives. There is some passion. You can see it.”

On I’Marion continuing the Chicago pipeline:

“I love the hometown heroes. I love the fact that a school of the caliber of Michigan is recruiting here. These kids are opening the gates for them to come back. They are paving the way for Illinois. I love it. It gives others an opportunity to be looked at and possibly play for the University of Michigan in the Big Ten. It’s awesome. For I’Marion to get the opportunity to play in front of 110,000-plus people, I’m just speechless. I’m excited. It means the world to know that all his hard work was noticed by a place like Michigan.”

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