Craig Steltz
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[edit] Biography
Craig Steltz is a senior safety for the Louisiana State University. Steltz is known for his big hits and physical play. He always seems to find a way to be around the ball. He is a well-regarded prospect in the 2008 NFL Draft
[edit] High School
Steltz showed his versatility in high school, playing both ways as a safety and running back, both at a high level. As a senior, he suffered from a few injuries, and finished the season with 30 tackles and two sacks. However, during his junior year he mad 120 tackles and had nine interceptions. In 2003 he was considered the state of Louisiana's top safety prospect. He then decided to enroll at LSU.
[edit] College
When Steltz enrolled at LSU, he knew he would have to wait his turn to play, as there were already some good football players there ahead of him. During his freshman year he only played in four games.
During his sophmore year, Steltz played in all 13 games, starting in three of them. He was a key part of LSU's nickel and dime packages. During the SEC Championship game against Georgia, he started in place of injured safety Jessie Daniels. This is where the LSU coaching staff got their first idea of how good he could be. In that game, he led LSU with 8 tackles.
Steltz's junior season began right where his sophmore season left off. He still was not a starter, as he was stuck behind a very good player named Laron Landry. However, he was a starter in sub packages. He became the first player in LSU history to intercept a pass in four consecutive games.
Steltz really exploded onto the scene in 2007 as a senior. He became known for his ferocious hits and his ability to find the ball anywhere on the field. One of his best performances came on the first game of the season against Mississippi State. In that game he had four tackles, three interceptions for 100 yards, one pass deflection and one forced fumble. LSU won the game 45-0. Steltz finished up the year prior to the National Championship game with 79 tackles and 6 interceptions.
[edit] Statistics
| YEAR | GAMES | TKLS | SACKS | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2005 | 13 | 40 | 0 | 0 |
| 2006 | 13 | 42 | 1 | 4 |
| 2007 | 13 | 63 | 1 | 6 |
[edit] Scouting Report
Steltz, at 6-2, has ideal size for an NFL safety. He has a great nose for the ball. He is all over the football, and he showed that this year with six interceptions and three forced fumbles. Steltz also has pretty good coverage ability, although that is not his greatest strength.
What Steltz has in size, he lacks in speed. A fast reciever can blow right by him if given the opportunity. With that said, his ability to go man to man with guys is in question. He is always looking for the big hit, and sometimes that costs him as he is caught over persuing at times. Some have also questioned his overall athleticism.
With all of that said, Steltz is one of the better strong safety prospects in the draft. He reminds some of a younger Rodney Harrison in that he plays with no regard for his own health and loves getting the big hit. He will not last past the fouth round, but will probably go before then.
[edit] Trivia
- Is a management major
- Would one day like to become an Ultimate Fighter
- Nickname is "Surfer Boy"
- Has an older brother that played fullback for LSU
[edit] Video Gallery
[edit] Picture Gallery
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