He could leap a high bar as towering as an NBA forward. Hoist as much iron as a competitive powerlifter. And, of course, throw a leather oval 80 yards - into a bucket.
It was rumored that in secret practices held in College Station, he shredded one of college football's best defenses.They told tales so tall about Branndon Stewart that you were sure the new Texas A&M quarterback changed clothes only in telephone booths.
He doesn't.
Stewart is human, after all. He isn't a super hero, though he came very close in this state of believers to imitating one.
With about nine ticks left in the season opener, and A&M trailing, 41-37, Stewart stepped up in the pocket at the BYU 34 to attempt what he called a "miracle play." But he dropped the ball, and the Cougars pounced on it like wildcats do wounded game.
His lone faux pax, however, was hardly as deflating for Aggies' expectations this season as was the play of his defensive teammates all game long.
"Our problem today (Saturday) wasn't offense," A&M Coach R.C. Slocum said.
Stewart showed, too, why an air force like Tennessee recruited him. He demonstrated touch. He displayed strength.
He finished the day 20-of-28 for 232 yards and two touchdowns, including a 57-yard bomb to wideout Aaron Oliver.