Video: WeNext - Chris Steele Highly touted St. John Bosco cornerback will announce his college choice Saturday on his birthday.
Chris Steele is clear and emphatic about his path toward the football and destination in life.
The 6-foot-1, 181-pound cornerback from
St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.) patterns himself after fellow Southern California product
Richard Sherman.
"I'm without a doubt the No. 1 corner in the country," Steele says.
The rising senior doesn't mince words, nor does he waste steps or skip workouts in his pursuit of excellence.
He started as a 2-star recruit as a freshman, methodically working his way to being considered one of the top defensive backs in the country.
247Sports composite ranks him the No. 39 overall recruit in the country and the No. 5 cornerback, sure to rise after an impressive showing at The Opening Finals in Frisco, Texas. His first two offers as a freshman were from Jackson State and Howard.
Chris Steele, St. John Bosco
Photo by Heston Quan
He now has 49 offers, including top choices USC, Florida, Oklahoma, Oregon and LSU. He'll announce his college plans Saturday, his birthday.
His school of choice will get the complete package, said 247Sports recruiting expert Greg Biggins while watching Steele at The Opening Finals.
"The versatility is what makes Steele a special prospect at the next level," Biggins wrote. "He has the positional versatility to be a physical outside corner or could easily transition to safety, and has the body, the toughness, hitting ability and football IQ to excel at that spot."
He no doubt possesses the confidence, a must playing his position.
Steele not only plays with a physicality reminiscent of Sherman, but he also lets receivers know it. And anyone else listening.
"Oh yeah, I talk trash, too," he said "I'm not afraid to lay the boom on anyone."
A challenging upbringing, but superb mentoring has kept Steele focused on the ultimate prize, to play on Sundays. He's been a two-year starter on one of the nation's top programs.
St. John Bosco, has gone a combined 66-8 the last five seasons, and contended for a national crown every year. The 2018 team will be ranked among the top 5 to start the season as well. Perhaps even No. 1.
Which is where Steele wants to be ranked among cornerbacks by the end of his prep career.
"I talk the talk, but I can walk the walk for sure," he said.
Ultimately though, Steele said, he walks, talks and performs for his family.
"I'm just here to make everybody proud," he said.
Chris Steele catches a pass while being filmed for the WeNext profile.
Photo by Heston Quan
