Steven Ortiz Jr. first became involved with football at the age of just five years old. After his grandmother suggested he considered playing the sport, Steven decided to embark on an athletic journey in the space. A decision that would, in the years to come, grow into a deep commitment to one day play in the NFL. This was just the start. As he moved from playing flag football to tackle football around the third grade, Steven continued to strengthen his love for the game. He was locked in. Determined to reach his highest potential on the field and leave his mark on the game, Steven continued to elevate his skills throughout middle school and high school. Upon graduating from Desert Edge High School in Arizona as one of the top defensive backs in the nation, he embarked on his collegiate journey at the University of Minnesota—where he played for two years before transferring to the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Currently in his first season at UMass Amherst, Steven is looking forward to expanding his football IQ further in the years to come and working towards his dream of playing in the NFL. Along with this, he is excited to grow his personal brand beyond the game throughout this new chapter; and use his platform to continue giving back to his community and inspiring the next generation.
How was that transition from high school to college like for you?
I was just doing the extra work. When people were at home sleeping at night, I would go out and run a mile. I was always up at 6:00 AM. I was always running after practice, getting extra lifts in after practice. I would do summer workouts my freshman year, and after summer workouts, (while) everybody else would go home I'd go to the gym and lift. I would go running or something like that to get my endurance up (as well). I started as a freshman on Varsity, and my first offer basically was like in my freshman year. It is just the extra work that really separates everybody else, and that's why I had more back in high school. Getting ready for college, it was just (about) getting more extra work in. You gotta do more, you know? You gotta do more than even a college dude or an NFL dude because you never know what can happen. You can lose your spot. The dude in front you can get hurt and then you're up. You’re in the Big Ten Network (as well), so from high school to college was definitely a different experience—100%.
What were some things that drew you to UMass Amherst?
I knew I wanted to call it home mainly because of Coach Brown—that's been my guy for a long time. Also, it was on the East Coast. It was close to my family, my sister, everybody.
What are some goals that you have as you begin your career at UMass Amherst?