The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

MICHAEL Strachan made another improvement to his NFL Draft stock with an impressive performance at his pro day.

When COVID-19 forced the NFL Scouting Combine to alter its format, the pro day circuit gained even more importance for recruitment and Strachan gained more notoriety after his performance Friday at the University of West Virginia.

The wide receiver prospect measured 6’5”, 228 pounds with 85” wingspan and 10” hands. He ran a 4.6 secs 40-yard dash, put up 20 reps on the bench press at 225 pounds, posted a 35” vertical leap, 10’7” broad jump, 4.20 secs in the short shuttle and 6.96 secs in the 3-cone drill.

The NFL Draft will be hosted April 29 to May 1 and Strachan received an invitation to the Draft Scouting Combine in January.

The combine usually features over 300 of the top college prospects at a four day event in Indianapolis, Indiana where they showcase their skills in on field workouts, medical tests, psychological tests, and interviews.

In the 2021 combine, the on field workouts are conducted in a series of “pro day” camps, while interviews and tests will be conducted virtually.

Strachan’s recruitment thus far has included virtual meetings with the Buffalo Bills, New York Giants, Washington Football Team, Los Angeles Chargers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Carolina Panthers and Seattle Seahawks.

“I wish that I had the opportunity to get in front of these scouts and meet them face-to-face. Having virtual conversations just isn’t the same. But I’m not special, we’re all going through this together. I’m gonna ride the wave and do what I have to do virtually. I enjoy the face-to-face interactions, Strachan told The Draft Network.

With his speed, size and pre game preparation, Strachan rewrote the Division II record books as a junior and was listed among Yahoo! Sports’ top “small school” prospects for the upcoming draft.

Despite playing in a small Division II conference, Strachan said his individual talent matches up with any other prospect in the draft. “Like my coach always says, the only difference between them and us is the logo on the helmet. I took that and I ran with it. Honestly, nobody can tell me that I‘m not the best receiver in this draft. I really do feel that way. No matter what school the other prospects went to, I’m just that confident in myself.”

Strachan signed with DEC Management in November and also recently joined The Society brand and marketing agency.

In his junior season, Strachan rewrote the University of Charleston record books and boosted his stock for pro scouts. He was named an NCAA Division II Second Team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association and to the 2019 Don Hansen NCAA Division II All-America team.

He finished with 78 receptions for 1,319 yards and 19 touchdowns in his final season with the Golden Eagles. He finished his career with a share of the all-time Charleston touchdown record of 27. He set new school records, led the Mountain East Conference in each category and was second in all of DII in both receiving yards and touchdowns.

He also achieved Division II Top-10 marks for the 2019 season in receiving touchdowns (second), receiving yards (sixth), receptions (ninth), and receiving yards per game (fifth).