Interview: Saint John Bosco 2019 CB Chris Steele Updates UCLA Unofficial Visit

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Securing top talent early is important when it comes to college football recruiting. Setting the stage with top recruits early is the foundation of a class that coaching staffs can build around going forward. For UCLA, the Bruins did not waste time with Class of 2019 cornerback Chris Steele extending an offer as quick as possible after he helped the Braves to a 13-2 record in 2016 capturing a California state title. The early offer paid off with the Saint John Bosco standout committing to the Bruins on Jan. 30.

Bruins defensive backs coach, Coach Demetrice Martin, has developed a reputation as a top assistant in the game finishing with one of the top secondary units in the nation despite playing in the pass-heavy Pac-12. “Coach Meat” has been with the Bruins since 2011 helping sign talents like Adarius Pickett and Jaleel Wadood in 2014, and Colin Samuel in 2015. The Bruins had an outstanding 2017 haul with Jaylan Shaw, Quentin Lake, Elijah Gates, and five-star corner Darnay Holmes all heading to Westwood.

The future for UCLA continues to look bright with Steele on board. The 6-1, 185 pound, had a breakout sophomore season coming up with 81 tackles, a tackles for a loss, seven passes denied, an interception, and a fumble recovery. Keeping that bright connection shinning, the Bruins hosted Steele and his family on an unofficial on Monday giving a grand tour of the campus and an in-depth overview on the academics in Westwood.

I sat down with Steele after his visit getting a behind the scenes scoop on his unofficial visit to UCLA.

Interview

Chris, the big question, how did the visit go for you?

“Overall it was really good. It reassured me that UCLA is where I want to spend the next four to five years in college.”

What all did you do during your visit?

“When we first got there they showed me around the school. We went to the different academic buildings and then they showed me the athletic side of the school. They showed me the new weight room they are building and their football only complex. That will be done soon. I met with Coach (Jim) Mora (head coach). My family and I talked to him about a couple of things. After that we did a photo shoot and I was on my way.”

Who went with you on the visit?

“My mom, dad, and my little sister.”

What all did you talk about with Coach Mora?

“We talked about the academic side of school at UCLA. He let me know he is happy about me coming to UCLA. We talked about my major. He said he can help me with internships from the NFL. He let me know that he will be there for my academics. We talked about that a lot. Coach Meat was there too. My family asked him some questions. My mom and dad asked him a lot of questions.”

What do you want to major in while at UCLA?

“Broadcasting journalism. Coach Mora let me know he worked for ESPN. He said it should be easy to get internships with ESPN and the NFL.”

Did you learn anything new about the program or university during your visit?

“Nothing too new on the football side, but on the academics side I realized how great UCLA is as a university. During the tour when we saw all the different buildings, our guide was talking to me about all the different education departments they have. I have a lot of options when I get there. They give you freedom for off-campus living and activities too. They want you to be serious when you are there but they also still want you to be a college student.”

Your parents went with you, did they enjoy the visit?

“They loved it.”

When do you plan on visiting UCLA again?

“I’ll be there for their Junior Day coming up and I will be there for most of the spring practices and spring game.”

From our last interview, I know you have potential visits scheduled with Stanford in the spring, Nebraska, Ohio State, Michigan, and Florida State and a LSU camp this summer, have you added any new visits?

“No, I might cancel some of those visits.”

Are you getting any new recruiting interest?

“Ohio State is showing heavier interest. Two of my teammates are OSU guys. They have been in contact with me through them. Before the dead period I met with one of their coaches. They have been on me more lately. Colorado has really been showing a lot of interest.”

Do you think Ohio State is close to offering?

“From what I understand, they could be close to offering.”

Chris, thanks for your time today. Congratulations on a successful visit to UCLA.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Steele family; Chris Steele at UCLA (Feb. 13, 2017).