Striker Can Be A Hidden Gem
The Bills may have possibly found a hidden diamond in the rough.
Eric Striker and the team agreed on an undrafted free agent deal to bring in the former Oklahoma linebacker. Striker and the rest of the 2016 rookies are set to report to one bills drive today for Rookie Voluntary Bills Minicamp.
Striker was wildly known for his 18-second Snapchat video calling out a racist fraternity at his old alma mater. After hearing racist comments coming from The Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter, the All-Big 12 linebacker posted a video directed towards the racists individuals. Striker’s outspoken leadership led to the fraternity being shut down and improved Oklahoma’s bonding as a team.
“I’m a leader,” Striker told The Buffalo News. “And the way I became a leader is natural. I had my teammates behind me the whole time. So I was never afraid to take a stand because I knew I had guys behind me. Any time you’re staring in the face of racism and you have a voice you want to use, then put something out there. I thought that we as a football team could take a stand.”
The OU incident was a perfect storm and it eventually led the video to a viral phase. People all around the world noticed Striker’s statement, including Head Coach Rex Ryan and General Manager Doug Whaley who thought the linebacker can eventually make a positive impact in the Bills’ locker room like he did with the Sooners.
During an ESPN Radio interview on Russillo and Kannell, Striker said “my speed and everything, that’s not prototypical, but I think that sits well with coach Rex Ryan, just you know, put me in a spot and position that help the team win and I think that I honestly will get a shot and get to prove myself, you know, to my teammates and my coaches that I can actually do it. So I do believe I landed in the right spot.”
Striker can show versatility in the NFL. The linebacker is known for his must rush and stop the run mentality that can mesh well with Ryan’s defense. The 5-foot-11 227-pounder had 46.5 tackles for loss, 23 sacks and broke up 12 passes in three years starting for Oklahoma. He can be a unique fit with the team this year playing a third down role and hopefully leading to a starting position in his near future.
“The city of Buffalo is getting a guy with a great attitude. You’re getting a person who puts a lot into the game,” Striker told The Buffalo News. ““Hopefully, my hard work will pay off.”