Carson Steele: From High School Standout to NFL Hopeful
Carson Steele's journey is a testament to perseverance and talent. From a decorated high school career in Indiana to making his mark in college football and now vying for a role in the NFL, Steele's story is one of continuous growth and determination.
Early Life and High School Career
Born on October 21, 2002, Carson Steele was raised in Greenwood, Indiana, by his parents, Joseph Steele and Angela Berry-Steele. He attended Center Grove High School in Greenwood, where he quickly established himself as a dominant force on the football field.
Steele's high school career was nothing short of remarkable. He amassed 5,907 rushing yards and scored 82 touchdowns. His senior year in 2020 was particularly impressive, as he rushed for 1,659 yards and 31 touchdowns. That year, he led his Center Grove team to an undefeated season and the Class 6A state championship. His outstanding performance earned him the title of Indiana's Mr. Football.
College Career: Ball State Cardinals
Initially a consensus two-star running back, Steele signed with Ball State University, choosing the Cardinals over offers from Indiana State and Southern Illinois. He quickly made an impact in Muncie, Indiana, showcasing his versatility as both a runner and receiver.
In his debut season, Steele racked up 1,048 total yards, with 891 rushing yards and 157 receiving yards. He continued to build on this success, leading the conference with an impressive 1,556 yards on the ground in his second season. That year, he also finished second in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) with 14 rushing touchdowns.
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Steele proved his durability and consistency, achieving nine 100-yard games out of 12 played. Despite his individual success, Ball State struggled as a team, finishing with a combined 11-14 record in his first two seasons, including a loss in the TaxAct Camellia Bowl during his freshman year.
Transition to UCLA Bruins
After establishing himself as a star at Ball State, Steele entered the transfer portal and was rated as a four-star prospect by 247Sports. He ultimately landed at UCLA, joining Chip Kelly's Bruins.
Chip Kelly needed someone to fill Zach Charbonnet's shoes, and Steele became their guy.
In 2023, Steele played in 12 games for UCLA, who capped their season with a victory in the L.A. Bowl against Boise State. He made an immediate impression in his UCLA debut against Coastal Carolina, accumulating 96 total yards. His role within the team grew from there. In Week 2, he tallied 84 rushing yards in a win over San Diego State. The following week, against Oregon State, Steele delivered his only 100-yard outing of the season, carrying the ball 22 times for 110 yards.
Even as a rotational option, Steele proved his efficiency, averaging 5.1 yards per carry and accumulating 1,010 total yards of offense.
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NFL Journey: Philadelphia Eagles
Despite his impressive college career, Steele went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, his journey didn't end there.
Steele signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in May 2024 and made the team's 53-man roster out of training camp. Steele made his NFL debut in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL Season against the Baltimore Ravens. As a rookie, Steele played both fullback (his designated position) and running back on offense and occasionally returned kicks on special teams. Steele played a total of 199 offensive snaps in his rookie season. He played 190 snaps in the backfield, 2 snaps as a tight end, 1 as a slot receiver, and 6 out wide. Steele finished his rookie season with 183 rushing yards on 56 attempts and 26 receiving yards on 7 receptions. He also returned 5 kicks for 138 yards.
Later, Steele signed a future deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. The franchise has opened the door for unknown talent to emerge.
Style of Play and Strengths
Throughout his college career, Steele established himself as a dependable every-down back. During his time at Ball State, he was known for his stellar 2022 campaign, where he compiled 1,556 yards and 16 touchdowns. Even as a rotational option at UCLA, Steele averaged 5.1 yards per carry and accumulated 1,010 total yards of offense.
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