Three lead for Mississippi DT

Natchez (Miss.) defensive tackle Anthony Strauder has one official visit down and two others on the horizon as he narrows down his college decision.

“I went to Oklahoma State for my official visit two weeks ago,” he said. “I had a lot of fun out there. Coach Miles, the head coach, and coach Dunbar, the D-Line coach, seem like really good people you’d want to play for. I thought their players were pretty cool. Trumaine Carroll was my host. I felt like I fit in pretty good around him and those other guys.”

“They’re just an up-and-coming program. I see big things happening for them in the years to come, knocking off teams like Texas and Oklahoma and Kansas State. That’s another thing I like about them – the competition you play against in the Big 12.”

Strauder (6-4, 285, 4.9) also has visits set up for Vanderbilt (12/5) and Southern Miss (12/19), and is considering more offers from Mississippi State, Louisiana Tech and Grambling.

“Southern and Oklahoma State have been my two favorites, but Vanderbilt just came into the picture, and they look real good, too,” he said. “I like the academic reputation they have, and I think I would have a chance to go in and really help them out on the D-Line.”

The home state Eagles may still be the team to beat, though.

“I’ve always liked them a lot,” he said. “It’s close to home, and they’ve got a real good program. I like their defensive style.”

Strauder missed most of his senior season due to a broken fibula from a game in September. He recently had a screw removed from his leg, and is nearing full strength for the remainder of his rehab.

Academically, he’s still in great shape. He carries a 3.5 GPA and has scored a 21 on the ACT.