Dane Brugler of The Athletic recently assessed Steele as a priority free agent. After two impressive seasons at Ball State, the running back transferred to UCLA, where he played his final collegiate season.
"It was a blessing to enter the transfer portal and attend such a great university like UCLA," Steele recently told Melo.
During his senior year in 2023, Steele carried the football 167 times for 847 yards and six rushing touchdowns, adding 17 receptions for 163 yards and two receiving touchdowns through 12 games, per Sports Reference. He averaged 5.1 yards per carry at UCLA and throughout his collegiate career.
In 2022, Steele racked up 1,556 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns on 289 carries, adding 166 receiving yards and a receiving score. While his production diminished with the Bruins, Steele was satisfied with his numbers for the Westwood-based program after receiving significantly fewer carries than his previous season.
"I went out there and proved I could play at a high level in the Pac-12," Steele said. "I was happy with the amount of yards I rushed for at UCLA. I was efficient with my opportunities. I showed everyone that I could play at a higher level."
In three seasons, Steele amassed 3,294 rushing yards on 648 attempts and 26 rushing touchdowns, adding 58 receptions for 486 yards and four receiving touchdowns.
NFL teams are eyeing Steele as a running back and fullback at the pro level, possibly even inserting him into the tight end spot if needed.
"Honestly, whatever gets me on the field, that's what it's going to be," Steele remarked. "I'm just excited to learn anything and everything. I want to play on special teams as well. I just want a chance to get out there and help the team."
Visit our pre-draft tracker for a comprehensive overview of all reported formal and informal meetings between the 49ers and prospective NFL rookies.
The 2024 NFL Draft will take place in Detroit, Michigan, from Thursday, April 25, through Saturday, April 27.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers add protection for Brock Purdy in latest ESPN mock draft
ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller has unveiled his latest mock draft, projecting each team's potential first-round pick for next year. In this mock, Miller has the San Francisco 49ers selecting at No. 16 overall. However, this placement doesn't necessarily reflect how he expects... -
Seahawks nearly pulled off 2019 draft move that might have frustrated 49ers for years
In 2019, the Seattle Seahawks selected wide receiver DK Metcalf with the No. 64 overall pick in the NFL Draft. However, if their original plan had worked out, Metcalf wouldn't have been the only rookie wideout headed to the Pacific Northwest that year. According to ESPN's Adam... -
Acho doesn't hold back while criticizing Kyle Shanahan for 49ers' woes
Kyle Shanahan has faced mounting criticism from fans as the San Francisco 49ers, now sitting at 5-6, navigate a disappointing 2024 season. Notably, this comes on the heels of a Super Bowl appearance earlier this year, adding to the frustrations. While injuries have undoubtedly... -
Pelissero provides update on Brock Purdy's injury and 49ers-Packers status
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy was limited during Wednesday's practice and refrained from throwing altogether in at least the position of practice that was open to the media. Purdy is dealing with a shoulder injury sustained during Sunday's loss to the Seattle...