Bradenton (FL) IMG Academy offensive lineman Kaden Strayhorn committed to Michigan. He picked the Wolverines over offers from Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Ohio State, Tennessee, and USC, among others.
Strayhorn is listed at 6'4" and 295 pounds.
RANKINGS
ESPN: 4-star, 80 grade, #8 IOL
On3: 3-star, 87 grade, #70 IOL
Rivals: 4-star, 5.8 grade, #17 OG
247 Sports: 3-star, 88 grade, #33 IOL
Hit the jump for more.
Strayhorn is the son of former Michigan State defensive tackle Jason Strayhorn, an Indiana native who became an All-Big Ten player. The elder Strayhorn ran into some legal issues with some real estate ventures, but he's a former state school board member and has worked as a Michigan State football color commentator on the radio. The family moved to Florida to help Kaden pursue his athletic endeavors, but their connection to MSU suggested to me that Kaden likely wouldn't end up playing for the Wolverines.
Kaden was offered when he was playing for Novi (MI) Catholic Central, but he transferred to IMG for his sophomore year and plans to finish out his high school career there. He took an official to Ohio State at the end of May, but his experience in Ann Arbor over Victor's Weekend last weekend seems to have sealed the deal.
Kaden played a lot of right tackle in 2023 for his high school team, despite the fact that he'll almost certainly be an interior lineman at the next level. Even though he played out of position, he had a natural stance with some solid technique. He moves his feet consistently, does not allow a straight path to the quarterback, and does a good job of using his hands. Strayhorn is very physical and does a good job of initiating contact; he's violent with his hands and uses them well to gain position. While some players very obviously hold and just try to overpower people with their upper bodies, his strong hands help him gain leverage/position quickly before a hold might be called.
One thing Strayhorn will need to work on is finishing blocks. There are times where he makes initial contact but doesn't stay locked on through the play. He's a good puller, but he lacks great foot quickness and sometimes arrives a little too high.
Overall, Strayhorn is a nice addition to the interior offensive line. He could play center or guard, but I definitely see the upside at center, given his ability to win battles with his heavy hands. That should pay off when dealing with nose tackles.
Michigan now has two offensive linemen in the class, where Strayhorn joins offensive tackle Avery Gach (LINK). There are also two IMG products in the commitment list with Strayhorn and running back Donovan Johnson (LINK). Kaden also has a younger brother, Kody Strayhorn, who is being recruited as a part of the 2027 class.
TTB Rating: 77
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