Background
Sterling was born in Belmar, New Jersey, son of Mike and Tina Sterling.
Sterling was born in Belmar, New Jersey, son of Mike and Tina Sterling.
Sterling attended Belmar Elementary School (Belmar, New Jersey) and Manasquan High School (in Manasquan, New Jersey), where he played both basketball and football.
He played college football at Monmouth University. After receiving multiple scholarships for both sports, he opted for a full football scholarship offer from Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey. High School Manasquan High School
In his senior year, the Warriors posted a 9-3 record where Sterling led the team in offense with 40 catches for 700 yards with 8 touchdowns.
He also was a big help on defense at safety, where he recorded 50 tackles and one interception.
College Monmouth University
Sterling didn"t see time his freshman year, ultimately red shirting him. In his red shirt freshman year, Sterling started all 11 of Monmouth"s games where he recorded 57 receptions for 677 yards and 5 touchdowns.
During his sophomore campaign, Sterling recorded 33 receptions, 386 yards, and 5 touchdowns while playing in all ten games. His 33 catches were third on the team and the 386 yards were second.
In his junior year, Sterling played in all 12 of his games where he recorded 57 catches, 647 yards, and 6 touchdowns which were all team leads.
The following year, his senior year, Sterling had his best season. He again led the team in the three major categories where he managed to get 55 receptions, 905 yards, and 6 touchdowns. Jacksonville Jaguars
Sterling was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 7th round with the 220th overall pick of the 2015 NFL draft.
After the draft, Jaguars personnel stated that Sterling could be transitioned to play tight end in the future.
He was released on September 4, 2015. He was signed to the practice squad on September 6, 2015.