Ubayd Steed, a Philadelphia native, transferred to Southern Illinois from Towson University and has become a mainstay on the Saluki defense. (Photo by Saluki Communications)
By Dan Verdun
Ubayd Steed grew up in Philadelphia. Yet, it may well be that he has truly found “brotherly love” in Carbondale.
Since leaving the nation’s sixth largest city for Southern Illinois University as a college football transfer, Steed was asked to name something he has learned to love about the town recently tabbed as “The Eclipse Crossroads of America.”
“The close-knitness,” Steed told Prairie State Pigskin. “Coach (Nick) Hill started a program with people in the community. People come in and help the team. They want to get to know us. It’s that small town, everybody’s close thing. (For example,) when I walk around campus, the guys who cut the grass know me.
“That family feel . . . that’s one of the best things I like about Carbondale.”
Steed has certainly been a comfort to Hill.
“He’s consistent on the field,” the ninth-year Saluki head coach said of his senior safety. “I’ve said this publicly several times; he’s one of the best tacklers in FCS football.”
Hill further elaborated.
“He has a knack for the ball (and) understands the game. He has a good demeanor out there. He plays hard.”
A season ago, Steed was named to the Missouri Valley Football Conference All-Newcomer team. He ranked third in tackles for SIU.
Perhaps his biggest moment came last fall when he secured the Salukis’ win at FBS Northern Illinois with a fourth-quarter interception.
Through three games this season, Steed ranks third on the team in tackles, including one for loss. He has also forced two fumbles.
While there’s more to Steed’s Philadelphia story, he also shares his thoughts on his role this season as well as how a youth sport shaped him as a playmaker on the football field.
Get to know Ubayd Steed in our Moving the Chains Q&A:
Are you a fan of all the Philadelphia sports teams?
Definitely, the Eagles and the Sixers for sure. We haven’t been able to get over the hump these last few years, but we’ll get back on track.
Do you have a favorite Philadelphia sports moment from your lifetime?
That Super Bowl (victory) for sure. (Quarterback) Nick Foles and that team.
When you first went into the transfer portal out of Towson University, what schools approached you and why did you ultimately decide on Southern Illinois?
Rhode Island, Delaware and SIU were the main three. I chose SIU because it had a winning culture. And on my visit, I saw the love (from the coaches and players).
It was also different here in Carbondale. I’m from a big city, Philadelphia.
I knew it would help me grow as a person and as a player. I could work on my character.
Was there a certain coach from the SIU staff that reached out to you first?
It was (former SIU defensive coordinator) Coach (Jason) Petrino and Coach (Antonio) James. Coach James is known in our area. He coached at Morgan State (in Baltimore). He was the one who recruited me.
What did you know about Illinois before arriving on campus?
I knew about Chicago, but I didn’t know about Carbondale at all.
Did anyone in particular help your initial adjustment?
It was the program in general. The coaches were there with open arms. Everyone was welcoming. There were guys (players) who offered rides to the grocery store and things like that. It was like a family.
What do you miss most about Philadelphia?
The food! It’s known for its cheese steak of course, but there is a lot of good soul food. Our Jamaican food is it. I love rice and beans with some cabbage. Add in a side of mac ‘n cheese.
SIU had a very physical secondary last season with the likes of P.J. Jules. What did you learn from that experience?
P.J. had that hard hat mentality. His work ethic really stood out. He was always working on extra things, trying to make his weaknesses become strengths.
Dune Smith was another. He’s one of those guys that had so much energy. He and I would feed off each other. He played Will (weakside linebacker) and I played rover. It seemed like every practice he’d make a big play, and then I’d make one too.
What have you improved the most about your game from a year ago?
One thing I needed to improve on is my coverage. Last year, it wasn’t that I couldn’t cover. Being the rover, I wasn’t asked to cover as much (as other positions). Playing more in our dime packages now, my coverage has improved.
We also brought in some really good receivers like (Nah’shawn) Hezekiah and Keontez (Lewis), so my coverage skills really went up a lot. Those guys work you every day in practice.
How has your role changed on defense?
I’ve got to set the edge in the run game. In coverage, I’ve got to be the guy covering the best slot receivers in the conference.
Is there a food that you have given up to become a better athlete?
I cut down on candy. I was a sweet-tooth guy. I love candy, but I cut down on it for the season.
If you did not play football, what sport might you have continued?
Boxing. My dad put me in the gym when I was six years old. I stopped when I was probably around 13. Boxing is a major sport in Philadelphia. We’ve got great fighters, (from) Joe Frazier to Danny Garcia to Stephen Fulton. We’ve got a lot of champions from Philadelphia.
No doubt you have seen the Rocky Balboa statue in Philadelphia.
For sure, I live about 10 minutes from that statue.
So, were you pretty good as a boxer?
Yeah, I was good. When I was around 11, I was the Philadelphia Golden Gloves champion. I think I was about 75 pounds back then.
How did boxing as a youth help with football?
It helped with footwork and endurance. Boxing gets you in the best shape of your life.
One final question: When the Saluki football team gets together at a social event, which of your teammates is most likely to embarrass himself?
I’d say (sophomore safety) Vinny Pierre. He’s just a goofy kid. He’s one of those guys that’s just really silly, but he’s definitely outgoing at the same time. So, he’s my pick.
Dan Verdun is a co-founder of Prairie State Pigskin. He has written four books: NIU Huskies Football, EIU Panthers Football, ISU Redbirds Football and SIU Salukis Football.
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