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Casey Campbell/Corvallis Gazette-Times
Oregon State freshman Micah Strickland tries to shake off Idaho’s David Vobora as he runs up the sideline with a reception. Strickland would like to carry the ball more, but is pleased to be on the field in his first year at OSU. |
Strickland finds his feet at OSU after paperwork was lost
By Cliff Kirkpatrick
Corvallis Gazette-Times
When Micah Strickland looks back on the significant moments of his life, a paperwork mistake made the biggest difference.
If it wasn’t for that error, the fullback wouldn’t be playing for the Oregon State football team as a true freshman.
Strickland was on his way to San Diego State last year, but didn’t qualify until after the season. Administrators at Kahuku High in Hawaii forgot to include two classes in his transcripts to the NCAA Clearinghouse.
That left the 6-foot, 205-pounder without a school, a team and a plan. His mother enrolled him in Golden West College in Huntington Beach, Calif., to start his academics, but he didn’t like it there and went home.
“I thought it would be a waste,” Strickland said. “I didn’t see it helping me get where I wanted to be. A lot of people were disappointed and didn’t agree with it, but it ended up turning out pretty good because I would rather be here.”
With his time off, Strickland hit the weights hard and tried to contact the other teams that impressed him during his recruiting process. The Beavers were one of them, so he called defensive coordinator Mark Banker.
Banker acted quickly to bring in Strickland. It helped that he came highly recommended by safety Al Afalava. They played together at Kahuku, and Afalava made a quick impact at OSU, playing as a true freshman. He eventually became the staring free safety in the middle of last season.
After a long decision process, Strickland’s plans to come to Corvallis were finalized June 29. There was a scholarship, but there was a delay getting accepted to OSU.
“It was pretty much a last shot for me,” Strickland said. “If I got in great, but I couldn’t sit around another year. And I only found out two weeks before I got here that I was going to come, so it was a little stressful.”
Strickland arrived on campus late compared to his teammates, just before fall camp. It has been a whirlwind of adapting to the Northwest, the team and school, which started last month, since.
“He has a specific role and we are finding ways for him to contribute,” offensive coordinator Danny Langsdorf said. “We are doing a good job with our two-back running game and he fits into the short yardage. He has good hands, so we can get him out of the backfield to catch the ball. It’s been a pleasant surprise.”
When the coaching staff finally saw Strickland, the lingering idea of adding a fullback to the offense started to take shape. Strickland previously played tailback but with his newly developed size he could help the team as a lead blocker.
Coach Mike Riley never hesitates to play true freshmen if they are physically ready — check — and mentally ready. And Strickland quickly proved he has the mind for the game in fall camp.
“Sometimes it’s hard, but it’s alright,” Strickland said. “I have a lot of older guys helping me out. The coaches are doing a good job, making sure I know where to go. It was a little bit rough at first, but I got used to the speed of the game and how physical it gets.”
Changing positions was the most difficult part of playing after a year off. He came to OSU thinking he would carry the ball.
“We had an idea of him as a fullback coming out of high school, and then he gained weight and strength,” Langsdorf said. “He is a tough, tough runner and blocker so he fit in well to our fullback position.”
Strickland was considered the eighth-best player in Hawaii after the 2004 season by Rivals.com. He rushed for more than 800 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning honorable mention all-state. He was first-team all-state as a junior.
“After learning the new position it went real smooth,” Strickland said. “Now I have a lot more respect for fullbacks. Before, I was in an offense that had a fullback and I didn’t really pay much attention. Now I’m at that position, it’s a lot different view.”
There is some disappointment not playing the more glamorous position of tailback, but he still hopes to be a regular ball carrier in the future. In the meantime, he’s being worked into the passing game. Strickland has caught five passes for 55 yards.
“Coming in as a freshman and getting to play is good enough,” Strickland said. “It was disappointing, but I’d like to eventually play tailback. But I’ll go where the team needs me. It’s nice because I feel I have a lot to give, more than blocking. But if they want me to block, I’ll block. If they want me to run, I’ll run. I’ll just do whatever the team needs me to do.”
MICAH STRICKLAND
• WHO: Starting fullback on the OSU football team when needed.
• AGE; SIZE: 19; 6-foot, 205 pounds
• HOMETOWN: Kaaawa, Hawaii
• MAJOR: Exploratory studies
• FAMILY: Son of Mark Strickland and Melvea Hardy.
• STATS: Caught five passes for 55 yards in five games.
• ECT: Born in Detroit. … Rivals.com ranked him the eight-best player in Hawaii after the 2004 season. … He was honorable mention all-state as a senior at Kahuku High and first-team at Punahou High.
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