Editors note: this feature appeared in UTSA's game day program for the matchup with Army on Sept. 14.
By Pat Turner
SAN ANTONIO -- Halen Steward was confronted with major tests when deciding to go to UTSA.
Leaving his home in St. Augustine, Fla., to attend college more than 1,000 miles away was tough enough. However, a position switch offered the biggest challenge.
Although Steward stood out at linebacker and saw action at running back at Menendez High School, UTSA coaches moved him to fullback. Roaming in unfamiliar territory was difficult, but Steward's blocking power and knack for bulldozing his way for yardage when toting the football made him a natural at the position.
Steward looks to put those skills on display today when the Roadrunners face Army in the Alamodome.
"It was interesting," said Steward, who has already earned his bachelor's degree in sociology. "The coaches liked the way I was around the ball. They liked my hustle and physicality. I had some other people tell me with my body I would probably play fullback in college. When the coaches at UTSA asked me if I wanted to come play fullback, I was like let my try that out. I think God put that in my life for a reason."
"It's been great experience for me. Being on defense has helped me because I know what the linebackers are going to do. I've been physical my whole life so that has helped me. Being a fullback has been a blessing."
UTSA coach Frank Wilson loves having Steward back there.
"Halen is a veteran guy who has given us meaningful snaps," Steward said. "He is a mature, physical tough guy who exemplifies what we want from our team."
Still, nothing has come easy. Although he made major strides in learning the position, back-to-back season-ending injuries threatened to spoil everything
Steward missed two games as a freshman because of an injury, but a bigger blow came his sophomore year when an injury in the opener against Alabama State sidelined him. After receiving a medical redshirt, the 5-foot-11, 240-pound fullback was looking forward to making amends the next year. Unfortunately, an injury against Rice put him in the same situation.
As devastating as it was, Steward was determined to come back stronger. Thanks to his faith and competitive spirit, he returned.
"There can be beauty in a struggle," said Steward, whose older brother Tony played at Clemson and was Buffalo's sixth round draft choice in 2015. "As a kid, me and my family struggled at times. I learned you never give up.
"I had a lot of support. My teammates encouraged me. My family was always there for me. My brother also had injuries and understood what I was going through. He always told me to never give up and everything would be all right."
Looking back, Steward believes going through the injuries was a learning experience for not only football, but life itself.
"I've gone through a lot," Steward said. "It has been a rough road, but it has taught me to be accountable. It has made me stronger mentally, physically and spiritually. Mentally, you get down. It can be really emotional, but you have to keep moving forward to your goal.
"I grew spiritually. I am stronger and more confident in every aspect of my life because of God. When I got hurt the first time, I thought I was in the best shape of my life. But I kind of got away from God and that humbled me. That injury brought me closer to God. I had to look at myself and say 'what am I doing?' Then it happened again and that was another lesson. The hardships you go through is to get you where you want to be. I feel blessed to be where I am now."
A preview of what a healthy Steward could do emerged last season as he played in all 12 games. Among his highlights was hauling in a touchdown pass against Kansas State. Now, he's ready to build on that experience for bigger results in his final season.
For Steward, ranking at the top of the list is helping the Roadrunners bounce back from last season and compete for a conference title. Following that with UTSA's first bowl victory would be the ultimate reward.
"I feel like I still have a lot to prove," Steward said. "I have to show what God wanted me to show. I'm back. I'm healthy. I feel like I am going to show a lot of people what I can do. I thought I showed something last year, but this year is going to be better.
"I'm stronger and more confident. I am stronger mentally. I know I am resilient."
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