Tallahassee North Florida Christian safety Lyndarious Strange got his first offer from Miami way back in April and now he has their attention once again.
Strange (6-3, 190) made it a point to reach out to Mark Richt with no expectations. He figured it was worth a try and it turned into a real positive.
"I haven't talked to any of the other coaches but Mark Richt hit me up as soon as he got hired," Strange said. "I congratulated him on getting the job and I wasn't really expecting a response but he hit me back right away. That's a plus looking at Miami, how he showed me love when I showed him love."
Strange is of the belief that Richt's fifteen years in Athens brings credibility that impacts perception about the direction of the program.
"The type of leadership that he brings will be outstanding for the Miami Hurricanes," Strange said. "They were kind of unstable last season but he provides that energy they had in the 80s. We got into what he does and what he expects to do there. They will probably be one of the first places I check out this spring."
Strange had built a strong connection with the old staff but that separation went amicably and he harbors no negative feelings whatsoever.
"Coach Kevin Beard used to call my dad all the time and I was close with Coach Paul Williams," Strange said. "We talked a lot but I understand why they had to move on. Plus they gave me a heads up right before everything went down so I was mostly prepared."
Strange has seven other FBS offers from Charlotte, Iowa State, Louisville, Memphis, Temple, Troy, and USF. He senses that bigger programs could be right around the corner.
"I'm trying to stay away from favorites but I like the schools that come out, offer me, and then touch base right off the bat," Strange said. "I got three new schools in the past week so I think more might be coming soon. Kentucky is possible, Florida, Clemson, and Illinois said last week they're very close. My coach expects the SEC to blow me up this spring."
Strange attended summer camps at Clemson, Florida, and Florida State. He watched the Seminoles play twice in the fall but he's anxious to explore more.
"I don't have any visits planned yet but I will be taking some," Strange said. "I want to commit right before my season starts. I would rather not have that on my mind as I get ready for my last games playing football in high school. I heard it can be a big distraction and I don't need that."
Strange enjoys watching New York Jets safety Calvin Pryor but listed the late Sean Taylor as his favorite player of all-time. His junior campaign included 78 tackles, 2 for loss, 3 interceptions, 8 pass break ups, and a forced fumble.
"I play with a lot of emotion, I'm hyped and getting everyone up in crunch time," Strange said. "When people come watch me on the field, the first thing they see is I'm fast. I could be a little more physical, that's actually what a coach said before. If I work on that more, it will stand out because of my stature."
