School: Providence, 1998
Position: Defensive end
College: Iowa
An All-State defensive end in 1997 in high school, Steinbach today is the Hawkeyes’ 6-foot-6-inch, 285-pound center.
What was the biggest adjustment to college football?
“Going from being a standout in high school to playing on the scout team your first year is really hard for guys to handle. Skill-position people sometimes see action right away, but linemen have to take their licks and hang with it.”
When did your dream to play in the NFL become more realistic?
“In my redshirt freshman year, I was still hard-headed and kept insisting I wanted to play tight end. My coaches said I might want to become an offensive lineman. I thought I could be an NFL tight end. During that season, I realized they were right. Now an opportunity to play pro football is a reality, especially if I can get a little bigger.”
Anything you miss about high school football?
“You can’t beat winning a state championship every year, which is what Providence did in my four years there. I miss the Friday night lights, and everyone in town is there. In high school you play for fun. In college it’s a job 365 days a year.”
