2020 Indiana Mr. Football declares for upcoming NFL Draft
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A former Indiana Mr. Football is chasing his dream of playing professional football.
UCLA junior running back Carson Steele, who was named the 2020 Indiana Mr. Football, announced on Wednesday that he is forgoing his senior season and is declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft.
In a post on X, formally known as Twitter, Steele said in part, “I’m excited to announce that with God’s plan, I will be forgoing my senior year and entering into the 2024 NFL draft.”
Steele, a Center Grove High School graduate, led the Bruins in rushing this season with 847 yards on the ground. He also had six rushing touchdowns.
Steele found success receiving as well, finishing his 2023 season with 163 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.
Prior to his one season at UCLA, Steele played at Ball State for two seasons.
He finished with 1,556 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns during his 2022 season with the Cardinals.
Meanwhile, during his 2021 season at Ball State, he had 891 yards on the ground along with 6 rushing touchdowns.
Steele had a big career before college football too. During his senior year at Center Grove High School, the season he was named Indiana Mr. Football, Steele rushed for 1,659 yards and 31 touchdowns. He helped lead the Trojans to an IHSAA 6A State Championship Game victory.
Those stats also helped Steele earn Gatorade Indiana Football Player of the Year honors that season.
In his NFL Draft announcement post, Steele also thanked his Center Grove coaches for getting him to this point.
“I would like to say thank you to Coach Moore and Coach Timmons, as well as, my strength coordinator, Coach Mills as they guided me through high school to be able to have success at the collegiate level,” Steele said.
The upcoming NFL Draft will take place in Detroit, Mich. from April 25-27.