Interview: 3-Star 2021 Texas OL/DL Remington Strickland has Two Official Visits in Mind
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Coupled with skill, technique, and strength, beyond the measurables college coaches look for talents that can bring that little something extra to the program overall, especially to the field in practice and come game time. When done fully, that something extra is a positive attitude, a work ethic that cannot be beaten, and a mean streak that ignites when the opposition steps onto the field. That guy with all the traits is Class of 2021 offensive lineman Remington Strickland.
Strickland was on a different level of play throughout the 2019 season killing TAPPS’ squads playing right tackle and defensive tackle for Fort Bend Christian Academy. The 6-5, 285-pound, lineman went beast mode earning second team All-State offensive lineman honors along with first team All-District and second team All-District on defense. In addition to moving jokers wherever he wanted at the snap of the ball, he was also getting it done in the classroom carrying a 4.72 cumulative GPA on a 5.0 scale. The complete package Strickland has worked to become has brought three-star recruiting status and 27 offers his way.
In an RNG first-look, I sat down with one of Texas’ top talents in the trenches for an update on his offseason workouts and recruiting options.
Interview
Remington, when the 2019 season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your game in the offensive trenches playing right tackle for the Eagles?
My pass blocking, that has improved a lot since my freshman year. I was at left tackle my sophomore year and went to right tackle to help out the quarterback last season. I made a lot of good improvements; no sacks allowed, that was big for me.
One of your strengths is ending plays with a firm pancake. Did you guys track knockdowns and pancakes last season?
(Laughs) We did not. Our goal was for each player to get three pancakes per player per game. I surpassed that each game. Not sure the exact number, but it was high.
Putting you on the spot. If you had to guess, how many?
I’d say around the end of season, 70 to 80.
The power generated in your blocks moving guys off the line or planting them into the ground shows. What are some of your maxes?
On bench, last week I broke the school record hitting 405. My squat is 525 and my deadlift is at 500.
Impressive.
Thank you.
What have you been working on this offseason with your pass-pro?
Working on my footspeed, my initial first kickback, recovery on the inside, power steps inside, and movements at right and left tackle.
And with your run blocking?
This offseason I have been working on two-step and second level contact. Our head coach says you can move anyone with two steps. I have focused on second step contact and my hand placement.
Where will you line up on offense this fall?
This season I will probably be staying at right tackle. Rob Walter is at left tackle, and he is really solid. We may mix around some, I am not sure which tackle spot I will be this season.
You got some snaps in on defense last season, will we see you doing more of that in 2020?
Definitely. During my senior year, I want to play both sides of the ball as much as possible.
Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
Some of the bigger schools showing interest, I talked to Texas last week, Texas A&M and I are staying in contact, Baylor and Oklahoma. Those schools are seeing how everything goes, how my senior season ends.
How many offers are you holding?
Twenty-seven.
Which program was the last two to offer?
Dartmouth.
Strickland’s Offer Sheet: Air Force, Arkansas, Boise State, Colorado State, Dartmouth, Houston, Houston Baptist, Lamar, Louisiana Tech, Louisiana-Monroe, Nevada, New Mexico, North Texas, Pennsylvania, Princeton, Purdue, Rice, Sam Houston State, San Diego State, SMU, Texas State, Tulsa, UCF, UNLV, UTSA, and Yale
Before the campuses were shutdown, did you take any unofficial visits?
Yes. I was able to go to SMU, Rice, and U-of-H (Houston). I got those three visits in before the virus hit.
How did the SMU visit go for you?
I really like SMU; they are one of my top schools. I will probably take an official there.
And the Rice visit?
It went well. Rice is a very nice school with great academics and I love the coaches. It was a cool campus to check out.
What about the trip to Houston’s campus?
I was there for a spring practice. I saw how their practice goes and how Coach Holgorsen (head coach) works his team, and I saw their facilities.
Whenever the campuses may open back up, do you have any planned visits?
I am planning on taking an official to SMU; that is my first priority. The other four not are not fully decided yet. Probably Arkansas too.
Are you going to put out a top schools list and if so, when might you do it?
I probably will in September. I still have a lot of schools looking at me and taking their time.
Is there a commitment date in mind?
I’d like to commit during my senior season.
Last question for you. When you make your decision on an ideal fit, what criteria will go into that? In other words, what are you seeking?
I want to go to a place with a good family culture, wants to win and with a winning tradition. And I want a place where I can compete and be in the best fit for me.
Remington, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Strickland family; Remington Strickland at Rice