University of Houston Athletics
FEATURE: Steward Embracing Role as Senior Leader
10/16/2012 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 16, 2012
The 2012 Houston Cougar defense is young. With uncertainty surrounding the Cougars, fans have seen a slew of new faces in the secondary.
"The thing I'm excited about is that we're a young team. I'm going to enjoy watching this football team grow up before our eyes," Levine said.
But behind every young squad there is that old man. The absolute leader who has been through it all and has seen everything the game has to offer. The seasoned veteran if you will. 
For Houston, that player is Phillip Steward.
Steward came to Houston as part of a talented 2009 recruiting class. The class brought in the likes of Charles Sims and David Piland, but it's hard to find a bigger impression from that class than Phillip Steward.
As a freshman Steward figured he would see a little time but nothing substantial. Being second on the depth chart, he would more than likely see the role of a backup. Steward wouldn't be more wrong. An injury in week one would see Steward thrust into the starting role, and he would shine from the beginning.
"My first game I got hit the very first play," said Steward. "Coach Sumlin told me 'Welcome to college football' after I came to the sidelines. I'll always remember that. That's the play that welcomed me to college football."
Steward would get his redemption in the form of leading the team with 13 tackles and from there he would not look back.
"It was a great feeling going out with those guys," said Steward "Especially being the youngest person out there. It was a great feeling and I just had fun."
Steward would finish fourth on the team in tackles in 2009 and has been a staple on the Houston defense ever since. However, Steward is faced with a new task this year as the guy looked upon to help a young team grow up.
Steward is the hands-down leader for the defense but he sees himself as more of an older sibling. One who is chosen to lead and to help them mature.
"It's cool to be a big brother to them," said Steward. "I tell them if they don't understand to ask me or take me into the film room so I can show them something."
Steward knows, however, that its not always fun and games with a young defense. He knows as well as anybody how easy it is to get down on yourself as a young player.
"Sometimes when we're down and losing, the young guys will get down too," said Steward. "I've been around for years. I've seen us come back from down thirty-something points. You just have to tell them to keep their head up and keep doing what they're doing."
In his four years as a starter Steward hasn't forgotten his roots. He knows where he comes from and he knows to give credit to the players that were there for him.
"People had to take me under their wing," said Steward "When I was young coming up, Marcus McGraw always talked to me and encouraged me. I try to do that with the young guys."
Steward will be the first one to tell you he's had a great ride at Houston. He knows he's done some big things but knows his time at Houston will come to an end soon. He takes pride in being able to pass along a great tradition to the younger guys.
"This is the last time I'll ever play college football," said Steward "I play each game like it's my last one. I give it all and I try to inspire the younger guys to give it all like it's their last game too."
