Grabbing talented prospects from the Midwest to Southern California has worked in the past for the UCLA Bruins, and Carson Steele may be up next. The former Ball State standout running back has transferred to UCLA to advance his game and take the place of former Midwest-turned-So-Cal RB Zach Charbonnet.
Carson Steele Transfers to UCLA
Making a name for himself in the MAC, Steele was dominant in 2022. Fresh on the heels of a 1,500-yard season, Steele is now destined for more potential stardom with the Bruins.
Steele ran for 1,556 yards for the Cardinals, reaching 100 yards in nine of his 12 appearances last season. On 289 carries, Steele’s average of 5.4 yards per attempt is a testament to the terrific balance, elusiveness, and vision he showcased time and time again this past year.
For his efforts in 2022, Steele was selected as an Honorable Mention All-American as well as the MAC Running Back of the Year and a First-Team All-MAC selection.
MORE: NCAA Transfer Portal Tracker
In two years with Ball State, Steele ran for 2,447 yards and 20 rushing touchdowns. But that wasn’t his only impact.
Steele was also a terrific pass catcher out of the backfield, hauling in 29 receptions last season and another touchdown. In total, Steele had 522 career touches for Ball State in just two seasons.
The bellcow out of the Ball State backfield is now in line to take over for Chip Kelly and the Bruins on offense.
With Charbonnet, RB-turned-WR Kazmeir Allen, and QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson all headed to the NFL, UCLA was set to return just Keegan Jones as a notable contributor out of the backfield. Jones toted the rock for two scores and 332 yards a season ago and has just over 100 total carries in four years with the program.
Steele’s unique game includes the speed to beat defenders to the edge and a willingness to take on would-be tacklers head-on. He’ll fit into the Kelly-led offensive scheme incredibly well, nearly the same way Charbonnet did, albeit with a slightly different style.
With Steele in the fold, the Bruins have their go-to back in the backfield, both on the ground and through the air.
Steele Quick Facts
- Class: Junior
- Height: 6’1″
- Weight: 215
- Hometown: Greenwood, IN
- Career rushes: 481
- Career rush yards: 2,447
- Career rush TDs: 20
- Career total touches: 522
- Career total yards: 2,770
- Career total TDs: 22
