MN All-Star Commitment Report: Carson Steen (Big Lake/2020)
The University of Wisconsin-River Falls has had one of the most successful 2020 recruitment classes from the state of Minnesota of any DIII program in the nation this past recruiting cycle. One of their most recent commits is a stud who Northstar Football News has recently made note of as a top 2020 unsigned recruit, is a MN All-Star, and one of the best defensive players in his programs history. Meet: Carson Steen. The Big Lake product is an absolute hammer of a DLineman who possesses the instincts, strength, and athleticism to become one of the WIAC’s and Division III’s most dominant defensive lineman. After balling out as a junior and having a standout senior season that resulted in an All-District award and a MN All-Star Game selection, Steen had his fair share of suitors, but big #50 ultimately chose to head East across to the border to UWRF, and Northstar Football News is here to give you some exclusive details into the 2020 stud’s decision. Check out what Steen had to say about his recruitment process and ultimate decision to join UW-River Falls, his career at Big Lake, the MN All-Star game, and more. Thank you for reading, go Falcons, and I hope you enjoy! Senior Year Highlights
Steen with a big hit.NFN: Congratulations on the commitment to the Falcons, Carson! Thank you for your time as well. Start be sharing a little bit about your recruitment process as a whole. When did you begin hearing from schools and who did you hear from first? Give us a little insight into how everything went down.
Steen: “I started hearing from schools about half way through my junior year of high school. The first one was actually UWRF. I didn’t think much of it because I was a junior and thought I had a lot of time. I didn’t post about any visits or offers because I like to keep to myself with all of that stuff and those closest to me.”
NFN: What was the biggest reason you ultimately chose UWRF? What did you like about the program and what made them stand out?
Steen: “The reason I picked UWRF because when I was there on a visit I had felt the most at home with any of the colleges I had been to, I could see myself playing there.”
NFN: Tell us a little bit about your senior season at Big Lake. It was a tough year, but you balled out and had a ton of snaps over your four years on the team that no doubt made an impact. What were some big and memorable games for you? And what else can you say about your career?
Steen: “My last season at Big Lake was nothing to brag about. We only won two games. I just went out there every game and have it my all. If I didn’t feel like I left everything out there by the end of the game I wasn’t satisfied. My first varsity game was as a freshman. It was the first round of playoffs and we were playing Becker. They have always been out biggest rival and they have always won. But we won that game with a game winning field goal. But the biggest game I played in would probably be when we came together as a team against St. Cloud Apollo this past season and game back from 22-0 after halftime and won. That was a very special game to me because that senior group this year I have played with them since 4th grade on up. And we have done some special things with that team and it just felt so good to see that we were all able to do that one last time. I personally think that I had a very successful time at Big Lake. Definitely a lot to improve on and get better at moving forward in time now to the college level.”
NFN: What position will you be playing in college? And what kind of player are the Falcons getting?
Steen: “In college I will be playing most of the D-line positions. The Falcons are getting a very passionate and focused player who is just looking to play the game he loves and make a bunch of new friends in the process.”
NFN: What did it feel like being selected to the MN All-Star Game? What was the experience like overall?
Steen: “The All-Star game was something I will never forget either. Just to be nominated for that game is crazy to think about. To be one of the top athletes in the state just makes you feel great about yourself and what you’ve done so far in football. It was just a week full of football and eating food with every other top athlete in Minnesota.”
NFN: What is appealing to you about DIII football? What do the Falcons offer that’s unique and intriguing on the Division III level?
Steen: “To me it doesn’t mater what division school I’m going to be playing at. All that matters is that I feel a strong connection with the coaching staff. And I can go to the school and feel at home. I am excited to play Division 3 football because I know that there is tough competition that is ready just as much as I am to compete to become the best. The Falcons have that beautiful new Falcon center that I cannot wait you use everyday to better myself and push myself to the max.”
Steen #50The Big Lake product is about to be a force in the WIAC for years to come, and I am very excited to follow his collegiate success. Good luck and congratulations, Carson!