The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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40 THE WOLVERINE ❱ AUGUST 2024 ❱ COMMIT PROFILE BY EJ HOLLAND T hree-star Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy offensive lineman Kaden Strayhorn gave Michigan a verbal pledge less than 24 hours after his official visit for Victors Weekend ended in June. Strayhorn picked Michigan over fel- low finalists Colorado and Ohio State. "It's like my mom put it," Strayhorn said. "She told Coach [Sherrone] Moore, 'He didn't just commit to Michigan, he committed to you and Coach [Grant] Newsome.' Our relationship has been developed for the last three years, so it runs really deep with them. They stayed consistent. Everything that needed to happen for me to come here, which is [Moore] becoming the head coach, did happen. "Ever since then, it's been smooth sailing. I just feel like this is home in my heart. Obviously, I can tell you that it's because of the history of the offensive line and all that, but the real reason is Coach Moore." As mentioned, Moore played a mas- sive role in winning over Strayhorn, whose father, Jason, played for rival Michigan State. Remember, Moore was the offensive line coach prior to his promotion to head coach this offseason, and he served as Strayhorn's lead recruiter for more than a year. The two formed a special relationship and were in contact on a weekly basis, bonding over things both on and off the field. "I'm mixed, and his whole family is mixed," Strayhorn said. "I liked the vibes from a family standpoint. My par- ents really enjoy his company. We got to meet his entire family today. His kids look like me. It was funny. My mom was like, 'His daughter looks like you.' Also, my mom and dad appreciate the way he recruits me. He always calls and Face- Times me. We're doing Zooms all the time. We're talking football and watch- ing film. He's always telling me how I can be better. All these coaches tell you that you're great, but what stood out about Coach Moore was that he always told me what I could fix and how to get better." U-M's newly appointed offensive line coach Grant Newsome also impressed Strayhorn and helped win him over. Newsome made Strayhorn a priority af- ter Moore transitioned to head coach, and he flew down to Florida to see him during the spring evaluation period in May. " H e c a l l e d m e t h e morning after he got the job," Strayhorn said. "He told me, 'I know you and Coach Moore had a great relationship, but I want to build this relationship just as strong as soon as we can.' He stuck to what he said. We called each other every other day." Strayhorn added that his official visit for Vic- tors Weekend also had a big impact on his decision. "All the talks I had with the coaches and the experiences I had here, it just feels like a family environment," Stray- horn said. "I'm really familiar with them. It's all been really good." At 6-foot-2½, 285 pounds, Strayhorn is ranked as the No. 40 interior offensive lineman and No. 483 overall prospect nationally, as well as the No. 65 player in Florida, per the On3 Industry Ranking. Strayhorn played a lot of tackle for IMG last season. However, he projects best as a center at Michigan and was recruited hard at the position. "I see myself fitting in really well," Strayhorn said. "I think I can play early not only as a center but also as a guard. I think I'll be a plug-and-play guy." Overall, Strayhorn is excited to be a part of Moore's first recruiting class as the head coach at the University of Michigan. "I'm super excited to be a part of this class," Strayhorn said. "It's a blessing. I want to tell the Michigan fans that you got a leader and a hard worker. I'm ready to build my own legacy here. I didn't go to Michigan State. I want to build my own legacy. I'm ready to do that." ❑ Offensive Lineman Kaden Strayhorn Feels U-M Is 'Home In My Heart' Strayhorn, who is ranked as the No. 40 interior offensive line- man nationally, per the On3 Industry Ranking, has played a lot of tackle, but he projects best as a center at Michigan. PHOTO BY EJ HOLLAND PLAYER EVALUATION STRENGTHS: Kaden Strayhorn has a compact build at 6-foot-2½, 285 pounds, and plays with plenty of physicality in the trenches. He is an absolute bully in the run game and knows how to use his superior strength to his advantage. His experience playing tackle should also allow him to excel in pass protec- tion as an interior offensive lineman at the next level. The son of a former college offensive lineman, Strayhorn is advanced technically and really understands the game. AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT: There isn't much Strayhorn can really improve on. The biggest knocks against him have to do with his physical limitations. Strayhorn is on the shorter side and lacks length. Because of that, he will likely be pigeonholed to playing just center at the next level. His lack of posi- tion versatility limits his upside. Strayhorn can keep working on his foot speed and will need to adjust to the center position. MICHIGAN PLAYER COMPARISON: Current grad student Raheem Anderson was a shorter offensive lineman who lacked length and was limited to being an interior player. However, he possessed a high football IQ and played with the same type of physicality as Strayhorn at the high school level. Anderson was thought of as more of a center but has also seen action at guard, which is the hope for Strayhorn. — EJ Holland