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| Tom Strobel (image via Hokeamaniac) |
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 262 lbs.
High school: Mentor (OH) Mentor
Position: Defensive end
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #50
Last year: I ranked Strobel #82 and said he would redshirt. He redshirted.
It's hard to say much new about a redshirt freshman that hasn't played meaningful football in two years, but here we are. Strobel has stayed pretty steady with his weight, but he will probably add a few more pounds before the fall. The coaching staff wanted Craig Roh up around 280 lbs. to play the 5-tech position, so Strobel still seems like he'll be a little light for their liking. However, he did earn some practice buzz this past season and in the spring. The coaches seem to like his potential.
As for this coming fall, Strobel could find himself in the rotation, but he probably won't be a heavily used player. Redshirt sophomore Keith Heitzman appears to be the leader for the strongside end position, and redshirt freshman Matt Godin got a lot of run in the spring game. Furthermore, Strobel's classmate Chris Wormley was talked about as a guy who would have played last year if not for his torn ACL, although Wormley might end up as a defensive tackle. I don't think Strobel will be any higher than third on the depth chart, but the he does have potential down the road.
Prediction: Backup 5-tech defensive end
I was highest on Wormley and Strobel as DEs in the Heitzman-Wormley classes. Wormley's inconsistency worried me a bit, but I know Hoke and Co. will not let that slide. I'm hoping Strobel can find some meaningful minutes in the rotation, and maybe even pick up a sack or two as he progresses.
ReplyDelete-JC
Heard that the coaches told Strobel after spring practice that he will be playing 3-tech in the fall. At the 5-spot, he had apparently fallen behind Heitzman, Godin, and Wormley, which would effectively make him a scout team guy again. But he has a shot to be third on the depth chart at 3-tech DT, which would mean some playing time.
ReplyDeleteIn my readings of the practice reports, it would seem that Strobel is unlikely to play a meaningful role.
ReplyDeleteI agree his long-term potential is high and also agree that there is opportunity to play on the DL, but it sounds like Strobel is still behind a bunch of guys right now. This is somewhat high for a guy who is unlikely to be in the playing rotation, even if there's an injury or two.