In high school, Settles played quarterback and defensive back for the McCallie School Blue Tornado. He was an All-State, three-time All-Region, and three-time All-District selection for the Blue Tornado. He also earned four letters in basketball, three in football, two in track, and one in baseball.[2]
College career
Settles played for the Duke Blue Devils from 1994 to 1997.[3] He recorded totals of 262 tackles, 18 passes broken up, and five interceptions during his college career. He also blocked a total of eight field goals and extra points.[2]
On June 21, 2002, Settles was signed to the practice squad of the Grand Rapids Rampage of the Arena Football League (AFL). He was promoted to the active roster on June 27. He was released by the Rampage on July 15.[5] Settles signed with the AFL's Detroit Fury on July 17, 2002.[6]