Oklahoma Sooners Football Recruiting: Eric Striker Joins OU as Defensive Recruiting Analyst

Former Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Eric Striker has joined the staff as a recruiting analyst, according to Bob Stoops.

"Eric's going to do a great job for us," Stoops said. "Kinda helping us on the defensive side with recruits and their families when they're here, those kinds of things."

"We’re going to start grooming Eric, and excited to have him," defensive coordinator Mike Stoops said. "Not only was he a great player, he was a great leader and a great guy to have around. He just brings a lot of energy. The players, you know really like him, and I think he could be a, you know, a very successful coach. So, you know, we’re excited to have him.”

Quotes via OU Daily

Having a guy with the charisma of Eric Striker around during recruiting visits has to be a major positive, right? I think it’s safe to say that he’s one of everyone’s favorite Sooners, and it’s largely because of his personality and flair. He’s definitely the type of person who will endear himself (and, in turn, the program) to the prospects who visit to Norman.

Striker finished his OU career with 191 total tackles, including 46.5 tackles for loss and 23.0 sacks. Additionally, he was named a First Team All-American by The Sporting News and Sports Illustrated. Stats and accolades aside, he’ll forever be remembered for the big plays he made in big games, the most memorable of which was his game-clinching play against Alabama in the 2014 Sugar Bowl. Oklahoma fans always love it when their team sticks it to the SEC, and Eric Striker played a large role in accomplishing that in New Orleans.

Striker didn’t make enemies in SEC country with his play alone — he was also quite outspoken about the league during his time as a player. The most notable example was his NSFW rant following a big win at Tennessee in 2015.

Honestly, you have to love the fact that OU is bringing in a guy with so much passion for the program. I literally cannot think of a more perfect candidate for the position he’s taking.