8/20/2017 football Edit

Inside Look: 2018 RB Markese Stepp

David McKinney • InsideNDSports

Recruiting Reporter

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Indianapolis Cathedral running back Markese Stepp has been committed to Notre Dame for more than a year now, and has become an ace recruiter for the Irish in that time.

Stepp has never wavered in his commitment and has played an integral role in helping the coaching staff land top prospects in the 2018 class.

Stepp picked the Irish over offers from Georgia, Miami (Fla.), Michigan, Michigan State, USC, Wisconsin and others.

Here, Blue & Gold brings its readers all the important information in regards to Stepp in one spot. Below you will find statistics, BGI's film evaluation, story links and much more in regards to one of Notre Dame's two 2018 running back commits.

BIO AND STATS

* Will play in the 2018 Polynesian Bowl
* Rushed for 1,300 yards and 17 touchdowns on 155 carries as a sophomore
* Scored four touchdowns on five carries during junior season (missed entire regular season due to injury)
* Named to The Indianapolis Star's Indiana Mr. Football Watch List for the 2017 season

THE LATEST

Stepp opened up his senior season with Indianapolis Cathedral on August 18, his first full game back since injuring his hamstring on the first carry of his junior season.

Cathedral fell 35-28 to Louisville (Ky.) St. Xavier, but Stepp rushed for 203 yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries against a St. Xavier team that went 10-4 in 2016 and advanced to the semifinals of the Kentucky 6A State Playoffs.

OFFSEASON UPDATE

Stepp spent much of his offseason rehabbing his hamstring and getting ready for his senior season at Cathedral.

The four-star participated in several camps including Nike Football's The Opening New Jersey Regional on April 30, Rivals Three-Stripe Camp in Columbus, Ohio on May 14 and Notre Dame's Irish Invasion on June 10.

During summer testing at Cathedral, Stepp recorded a 4.49-second electronically timed 40-yard dash.

THEY SAID IT

“His mom and dad are super people, and they’ve done a nice job making him very grounded, team-goal oriented and humble,” Streiff said. “He does everything he can to help us win.” - Indianapolis Cathedral head coach Rick Streiff to the Fort Wayne News Sentinel in August of 2016

BGI EVALUATION

"Stepp’s grade is negatively influenced by him missing all but three games of his junior season with a hamstring injury. If he can make it through his senior injury free, Stepp’s grade and ranking should skyrocket. The Cathedral standout projects as an every down back for Notre Dame. Stepp is a unique combination as a runner; possessing the size and power to hammer defenses, and the speed and elusiveness to get through the second level for big plays.

On top of having top-level athletic skills for his size, Stepp also has the intangibles you want in a standout back; he is fundamentally sound, shows high-level vision and is a natural when it comes to making defenders miss, either by making a quick move or dipping and ripping through arm tackles. He is not used much in the pass game, but in the limited opportunities we’ve seen Stepp shows good hands and the ability to square up to the line and make plays. He will have to work on his pass protection, but he has the size and skills to get the job done."

- BGI football analyst Bryan Driskell

Driskell ranks Stepp as the No. 1 running back on his big board, which you can find HERE.

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