UCLA Football: RB Growing Into Expanded Team Role
UCLA Bruins running back Carson Steele split carries with teammate TJ Harden to begin the 2023 season but has since taken over the lead back job in the Bruins' most recent contests.
Steele's 52 combined carries over the past two games outpaced his total from the first four UCLA matchups this year, a clear sign that the junior is taking the responsibility in stride.
Even with the increased workload, Steele has remained true to his team-first approach and felt there’s still more he and the other running backs could’ve done with pass protection to help an offense that’s been struggling.
“It’s a hard thing because it’s a team sport,” Steele said. “After watching the film, there were some things we could’ve done better. There was a little inconsistency all over the field. It was a very winnable game and it really hurts us. It’s been a little different playing (against Pac-12 teams),” Steele said. “I feel like the coaching has really been helping and just being able to get comfortable with myself. I was all over the place at first, just learning the plays and getting developed into this style of running.”
The Ball State transfer has proven a valuable cog in Chip Kelly's pro-style offense after he's churned out 251 rushing yards in his past two starts.
Steele scored his third touchdown of the season in the Bruins' most recent loss to Oregon State and proved why he should hold onto the job for the rest of the year.
Though Harden's breakout performance came in Week 2 against SDSU with nine carries, 91 yards and a touchdown it's now clearly Steele's job to lose for the rest of 2023.
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