Cleveland DT focused on grades
There's no question about whether Cleveland (Ohio) South defensive tackle John Steele has the talent and athletic ability to play college football at a high level.
Coaches do want to see, however, that Steele is on track to qualify to play as a freshman.
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The 6-foot-3, 273 pound senior runs the 40-yard dash in 4.8 seconds and has attracted attention from plenty of schools, especially those in the MAC. For now he's trying to take care of business in the classroom so he can enroll next fall.
"I'm definitely focusing on academics," Steele said. "I feel like my grades are going to be pretty good this year. I need a 2.4 GPA. I'm actually still trying to get my schedule changed. All I need to graduate is two classes, but I'm trying to get into more so I can get the GPA up.
"We've played three games so far this year and unfortunately we're only 1-2. We just lost on Friday 20-14.
"My best game was in the second game we played. I had eight or nine tackles, three or four tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a (batted pass). In the last game I had five tackles and a sack.
"My ability to stop the run has definitely improved since last year."
Three schools in particular have been in touch with Steele recently.
"I've been hearing from the coaches at Toledo, Michigan State and Akron," he explained. "Those are the main three right now. I'm interested in all of them."