Recruiting
On June 10, 2002, Steptoe, a three star Athlete (a player whom plays positions on offense as well as defense) recruit, named his top five colleges, which were Arkansas,[3] Arizona, Texas,[4] Texas A&M,[5] and UCLA.[6] And by December 9, he had narrowed his list down to three schools, Arkansas, Arizona, and UCLA.[6] And on December 10,[7] he announced he had signed a letter of intent with Arizona to play college football.[8]
However, after having committed to Arizona, he still visited SMU on January 11, 2003,[9] as well as Arkansas on January 18.[3] His decision wavered some and he said he "had some thinking to do".[3] However, he decided to honor his commitment and attend Arizona.
Playing career
As a true freshman in 2003, Steptoe played in all 12 games. He started the final home game of the season against the national champion USC Trojans. He saw his first full-rotation play at receiver against Arizona State in the final game of the season and recorded a season-high and career-high seven receptions. He finished the Oregon game with four kickoff returns for a then career-best 99 yards, including a season-best long of 41-yards. For the season he recorded nine receptions for 77 yards. He also recorded 15 punt returns for 69 yards, an average of 4.6 yards per return, as well as, a school-record 28 kickoff returns for 480 yards, for an average of 17.1 yards per return.
As a sophomore in 2004, Steptoe started 10 games. He also earned All-Pac-10 honorable mention honors. He finished the season with 30 receptions for 446 yards and three touchdowns. He averaged 14.9 yards-per-reception and 44.6 yards-per-game. He ranked fourth in the conference in kick returns, with 17 kickoff returns for 384 yards, averaging 22.6 yards-per-return. He recorded six receptions for 68 yards against Arizona State. He recorded a career-long, 50-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Richard Kovalcheck during a road game against Washington, as well as three kickoff returns for 86 yards. Against Washington State, he recorded a career-high 105 yards on six receptions, including two touchdowns.
As a junior in 2005, Steptoe earned All-Pac 10 honorable mention for second consecutive year. He played in 10 games, eight starts, and recorded 37 receptions for 493 yards and 1,271 all-purpose yards. He ranked 24th in the nation with an 11.1-yard punt return average, and 27th in the nation with a kickoff return average of 25.5 yards. He ranked 42nd in the nation in all-purpose yards with 127.1 per game. He also became the school's career-leader in kickoff returns with 64. He recorded a 63-yard punt return touchdown against #7 UCLA. He recorded a career-high 76-yard kickoff return on the road against USC.
As a senior in 2006, Steptoe played in all 12 games. He recorded 55 receptions for 568 yards, and two touchdowns. He also carried the ball seven times for 34 yards.[10] He also had one return for a touchdown.[11]
While at Arizona, Steptoe was a Family studies and Human development major. He was also a Football representative to the Student-Athlete Advisory Board 2005–2006.