Interview: 5-Star 2022 Indiana DE Joe Strickland Updates Season and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
For the novice football fan, the play of Class of 2022 defensive end Joe Strickland may go unnoticed at times. Because the 6-4, 250-pound, defensive end does his job, and does it really well, the stat sheet does not fill up like some in his peer group; it also does not help that opposing 3A Indiana teams fear him thus scheme away from his general vicinity. Strickland is that monster end who sets the edge pushing everything back inside so his linebackers can clean house; their stats are his glory. He has quickness to pressure opposing quarterbacks and chases down plays from the backside with the strength to take on double-teams while holding his responsibilities. After a standout freshman season with Jesuit Prep, Strickland became one of the top-Class of 2022 players in the nation earning five-star recruiting status (247Sports) and has notched four scholarship offers to date with a list of high-profile programs ready to bounce on him after seeing his growth on the field during the 2019 season.
To learn about it all, Strickland’s play on the field (going both ways), sophomore season goals, and recruiting prospects, we sat down for an in-depth talk.
Interview
Joe, the Braves got a big win last night downing Indianapolis Arsenal 27-6. How did the game go for the team?
“For the team, it was a good game. I played on the offensive line against Arsenal; we took our first drive down for a score. It took a while, but we got a score. We kept pushing all night. Our defense came out strong. We got a stop and we rolled from there. Our linebacker, Jay Higgins did good against their offense. Our defensive line and nose guard did a good job as well. I had to set the edge at end against their offense in that game.”
How did the game go for you?
“Personally, I did well. I don’t think I had any MA (missed assignments). I did my job. I could have set the edge better. I did well inside and outside. I did well on the B gap with our linebackers blitzing. I made their quarterback and running back bounce inside for our linebackers to get.”
Are offenses scheming against you in different ways?
(Laughs) “I think so. Against Tech, they ran maybe my way only when the quarterback rolled out. They were going away from my side. I was backside chasing a lot. They put a double-tight on me but I was still able to make the quarterback go back inside.”
What did you work on this offseason to prepare yourself for the 2019 grind?
“I worked on getting my form right. I worked on my first step, my speed, and my strength. I worked on my get off, hands, and taking on double-teams. I learned a lot from coaches at camps. Throughout our summer practices, we have a new defensive line coach, we have been working on everything.”
Looks like you were more of a 3-technique last season, where all are you lining up this season?
“Yes, I was at 3-technique a lot last season. This season, I am playing more out and some 3-tech. Wherever they need me tackle or end, I will play. My main spot is at end.”
A couple of minutes ago you mentioned learning a lot at college camp, which camps did you attend?
“I went to camps at Notre Dame, Boston College, IU (Indiana), Purdue and Ohio State.”
Of all the camps, which did you turn in your best performance?
“I think my best was at Notre Dame. I got talked to by coaches after that camp. I went against seniors in that camp. Coach (Mike) Elston (DL), he worked with me to fix my technique. I really enjoyed that camp.”
Which schools are showing interest?
“Notre Dame, FSU, Ohio State – before and after their camp, and Auburn.”
How many offers do you have?
“I have four offers.” (Boston College, Indiana, Purdue, and Toledo)
Are you visiting any schools this fall?
“Yes, but I am still trying to finalize the visits I will take. I did visit Boston College this summer, right after the camp. I enjoyed it.”
What goals have you set for your sophomore season?
“My goal is to play my hardest on both sides of the ball, do my job, and play where the team needs me. My goal is to give it all I got.”
On the rare occasion you have downtime away from football and homework, what do you like to do for fun?
“Other than working out, that is really it. That is my whole life – school, homework, practice, working out, and sleeping. I fish when I can, but I have zero time for anything else. This is what I love to do.”
Joe, it was great spending time with you today learning more about you and your talents on the field. Thank you, and good luck the rest of the season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Strickland family; Joe Strickland at Boston College and on the field