Will Cook County News

By Claude Martinez. Updated at 1:05 p.m. on May 6, 2025.

Green Bay, WI – On April 26, former Harold L. Richards High School (Oak Lawn, IL) alumnus Sebastian Castro, a defensive back and safety, signed with the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent.

During the 2018 season, Castro was ranked No. 27 in Illinois and No. 737 nationally, according to MaxPreps. That year, the Richards Bulldogs finished with a 12-1 record in the IHSA season.

A three-year varsity letterman at Richards, Castro played both defensive back and quarterback. He helped lead the Bulldogs to a 26-7 record over three seasons, earning three consecutive playoff appearances, including a state semifinal run in his senior year.

Defensive Stats (Three-Year Total):

• 210 tackles
• 12 tackles for loss
• 6 forced fumbles
• 4 fumble recoveries
• 11 interceptions
• 7 pass breakups

Offensive Stats (Three-Year Total):

• 121 completions on 206 attempts for 1,727 passing yards and 16 touchdowns
• 161 rushing attempts for 1,145 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns

In addition to football, he lettered in track.

After high school, he committed to the University of Iowa, a Division I program.

During his first two years at Iowa, Castro saw limited playing time. He redshirted in 2019 and appeared in just one game in 2020.

In 2021, things began to change. He played in all 14 games for the Hawkeyes, recording six total tackles (5 solo, 1 assisted).

In 2022, Castro continued to rise, tallying 33 total tackles (22 solo, 11 assisted), along with five passes defended, one sack, and two forced fumbles. He earned the “Next Man In Award” for defense.

In 2023, he had a breakout season, being named to the Pro Football Focus First-Team “All-America” list. He recorded a career-high 67 total tackles (47 solo, 20 assisted), eight passes defended, one sack, one forced fumble, three interceptions returned for a total of 36 yards, and one touchdown.

In his final season (2024) with the Hawkeyes, Castro logged 57 total tackles (39 solo, 18 assisted), one pass defended, two forced fumbles, and one interception.

In 2025, Castro participated in the NFL Combine, where he recorded a 4.59-second 40-yard dash, a 1.59-second 10-yard split, a 30.5-inch vertical jump, a 9-foot-9-inch broad jump, and a 4.34-second 20-yard shuttle run.

These impressive numbers helped lead to his signing with the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent.

As of May 6, ESPN lists Castro as a safety.

NFL preseason training camps begin in mid-July.

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