Chambana Sun

For Justin Stepp, coaching football is a family affair. As the new wide receivers coach for the Illinois Fighting Illini, Stepp brings with him 15 years of Division-I experience and a rich history of football in his family. His father was a high-school coach in South Carolina, and his twin brother is currently coaching at Cincinnati.

Stepp's career path led him from playing college football to various coaching roles across different states. He has worked alongside Barry Lunney Jr., Illinois' offensive coordinator, during their time at Arkansas from 2018 to 2019. Their reunion marks an exciting chapter for Stepp as he joins the Illini this spring.

"I had gotten to a spot at South Carolina where I was not necessarily comfortable," said Stepp. "I had several opportunities to leave while I was there for other SEC jobs, and I didn't because it just didn't feel right."

Stepp spent three seasons at South Carolina before making his move to Illinois. His journey into coaching started after realizing that teaching elementary school wasn't for him. "I knew I wanted to coach," Stepp explained, "but truth be told, I never dreamed about coaching college football."

Despite his father's influence in high school sports, Stepp found himself drawn towards collegiate-level coaching after playing at Furman University from 2003-06. He later accepted positions that took him through North Greenville, Clemson, Appalachian State, SMU, and Arkansas.

Family remains central to Stepp's approach as he integrates into the Illini culture. "The number one thing is being consistent and being the same guy every day," said Stepp about building trust within a new program.

His philosophy extends beyond just football skills: "If all they do is get better at playing football, then I failed them," he noted.

As spring progresses and with the team preparing for fall games without their top two receivers from last season, Stepp remains optimistic about developing young talent within his unit.

"There's some good young talent in there," he stated confidently regarding potential future stars under his guidance.

Reflecting on what truly matters outside of sports success alone - relationships built along each step taken throughout life - Justin shared sentiments deeply rooted by familial ties woven tightly together like threads forming fabric known simply yet profoundly enough called 'family'.

"Football is what I do but it ain't who I am... My family is my world." With these words echoing steadfastly amidst personal values held dearer than trophies won or accolades earned alike; one can sense why Justin finds himself excitedly anticipating days ahead filled richly so much more than merely wins lost measured only statistically speaking when viewed holistically instead encompassing everything meaningful encountered upon journeys traveled thus far already made possible thanks largely due unwavering support received lovingly always surrounding him wherever goes next venture awaits eagerly anticipated anew soon come pass inevitably too someday soon perhaps sooner still hoped dreamt envisioned collectively shared amongst those closest nearest heart forever cherished eternally remembered fondly even long after final whistle blown signaling end game played concluded successfully accomplished goal achieved ultimately desired most importantly above else ever imagined conceivable beforehand previously thought impossible achieve finally realized fully 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