The Striker

Image via NewsOK.com

Not too long ago, Sooners fans saw an undersized linebacker constantly harassing the opposing quarterback (to the beat of 22.5 sacks to be exact). That same linebacker had Sooners fans boasting of victories over SEC opponents Alabama and Tennessee, where said linebacker tormented AJ McCarron so much he is probably still having nightmares about number 19. That linebacker was former First Team All-American Sooner, Eric Striker. Striker is beloved by Sooners fans everywhere; not just because of his play on the field, but his actions off it as well.

Back in 2015, a fraternity (SAE) on the OU campus had a video pop up that would make anyone with a heart cringe. That video showed members of the fraternity chanting racial slurs and verses on a bus ride from a party. Those words shook the university campus and set a potential divide between the student body. President Boren quickly responded by expelling those involved in the horrid incident; that didn’t stop warranted protests from OU students. Those protests, along with the incident, caught national media attention. There was one protest, however, that caught the most attention. That was the silent protest led by Bob Stoops and the OU football program. At the forefront of that protest was the often outspoken Eric Striker. He not only led the OU football team, but also helped mend the wounds by his public willingness to forgive those involved.

(Image via ABC News)

You see, we saw the flamboyant linebacker smack-talking, sacking, and showboating on the field. All of which we, as spectators, loved, but there is so much more to Striker. That’s why, after a short stint in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills, the university was quick to add him to their staff as a graduate assistant in Student Life. While working there, Striker began doing podcasts with other former Sooner athletes Ty Darlington (All Big 12 OL) and Lauren Chamberlain (NCAA Softball All Time home run leader) called “Off the Chain.”

Striker  continued to be around the football program quite a bit. The passion for football, and OU, was obviously still there. So, it didn’t take long for Bob Stoops to reach out and offer Striker a position under OU Director of Player Personnel, Drew Hill, a month ago. Striker gladly accepted and here we are, with one of the most vocal leaders in OU history back in the program and using his outgoing personality to help the Sooners staff recruit.

The thought of Striker’s personality and him focusing on recruiting had me thinking about the potential there. So naturally I reached out to several sources around the program to find out their feelings on Striker as a recruiter. As you’d expect, much like his college career, there was nothing but very positive things being said. Striker is new to the process of recruiting, but one source said, “Striker in on a roll right now. He is learning the ropes quickly, but the kids remember that Alabama game.” The last part of that statement is what caught my eye the most. I knew Striker would get potential recruits’ attention because of his personality, but he really isn’t that much older than the high school kids today. Anytime OU or Alabama is on TV, there are millions watching. Striker had the game of his life versus Roll Tide; that game paid off then and it looks to be continuing to pay off today with instant recognition from recruits.

There is a lot to what Striker is doing behind the scenes as well. Another source told me that, “Striker is a key part in seeking out prospects at all positions and evaluating them. He also is a big part of the on campus recruiting (visits), while also helping to head the social media aspects of recruiting.” That same source told TFB that he could see Stiker running his own recruiting department in the near future. That is large praise for Striker.

Lastly, it’s early in his tenure as defensive recruiting assistant, but something tells me Striker is going to make waves and really be a game changer on the staff. Why do I feel that way? Well, I go back to the infamous speech given by Striker after not being drafted in 2016 NFL draft. There, Striker said, “If you draft me, I’m going to bring a shot of adrenaline to your defense — a shot of energy. I’m a high-motor guy on the field and a high-energy guy in the huddle, in the weight room, and on the practice field. There are some things you can’t teach. You can’t teach heart. You can’t teach hustle. You can’t teach having a relentless motor that never, ever quits.” There is something Striker seems to bring every day in life: energy.

As Striker learns the recruiting ropes more and more, I could see him helping the Sooners haul in more and more 4 and 5 star guys. Striker is right, though – you can’t teach bringing that energy, that hustle, that high motor. It is something he brings in his everyday life; watch that pay off.