The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

Mike Strachan is spending a part of his offseason back home and is optimistic about both his role in the NFL and his future impact on the development of football in The Bahamas.

Strachan, a seventh-round selection in last April’s NFL Draft, recently completed his rookie season with the Indianapolis Colts.

The highlight of his debut campaign in the NFL was a 27-17 week four win over the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.

Strachan played sparingly in his Colts’ first win of the season but said the experience of having his family in attendance was a “blessing.”

“It was so special being able to see them in the stands and play in front of them for the first time,” he said. “My parents never got to see me play so being able to play in front of them meant the world to me.”

The Colts finished the season 9-8 and just missed the playoffs.

Strachan began the season with appearances in the first two games of the regular season but played sparingly for the remainder of the campaign.

Despite his challenges, he still considers it a season of milestones with the opportunity to represent the country. “It meant so much to be able to say that I’m a Bahamian in the NFL. It gives my people hope and something to look up to, especially the young ones coming up.

“I’m excited to be able to represent them the right way,” he said. “The first year we had a lot of ups and downs, I came in with a lot of confidence, it was a pleasure to represent my country and my family. God brought me a long way, it was a long process and I have even more to go.”

He totalled 10 receptions for 130 yards in three preseason games.

Overall, Strachan had a Pro Football Focus grade of 73.0 this preseason, he was targeted 16 times, had six receiving first downs, no dropped passes, four contested catches, and was part of three explosive pass plays.

In his preseason debut, Strachan finished with three receptions for 57 yards in the Colts’ 21-18 win over the Carolina Panthers.

In his second appearance, Strachan finished with two catches for 12 yards in the Colts’ 12-10 win over the Minnesota Vikings. And he had five receptions for 61 yards in the Colts’ 27-17 win over the Detroit Lions.

In week one of the regular season, Strachan finished with two catches for 26 yards in the Colts’ 28-16 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

Strachan was on the field for 18 snaps and was targeted three times, a higher rate than any other receiver in the lineup. “The biggest thing I took away from it is how to perform at the highest level. For me was just finding a way to stand out, being on my ‘A’ game,” he said. “I expected more playing time but everything happens for a reason, I just had to continue being the best me I can be. I feel like this season is going to be tremendous and will be big time for me. I plan to go in with great confidence.”

The former University of Charleston wide receiver and Grand Bahama native was selected by the Colts with the first pick of the seventh round (229th overall). He became the third Bahamian born player to be drafted into the NFL following Ed Smith in 1973 (Denver Broncos - Round 13, pick 319) and Devard Darling in 2004 (Baltimore Ravens - Round 3, pick 82).

Strachan became a fan favourite and garnered attention from several franchises following a standout performance at his Pro Day in March. He measured 6’5” 228 pounds with 85” wingspan and 10” hands. He ran a 4.46 seconds 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 seconds in the short shuttle and 6.96 seconds in the 3-cone drill.

He was one of seven wide receivers named to the initial 53-man roster along with Parris Campbell, Ashton Dulin, T.Y. Hilton, Dezmon Patmon, Zach Pascal, and Michael Pittman Jr. Off the field, Strachan said he looks forward to teaming with fellow Grand Bahamian native Chavano “Buddy” Hield in bringing success to the professional sports culture of Indiana.

Hield was recently traded to the Indiana Pacers after spending five and-a-half seasons with the Sacramento Kings. “He’s going to ball out in Indiana,” Strachan said. “I’m so proud of him and so excited to say we have two Bahamians in different leagues, one in the NBA and one in the NFL in the same state.”