Meet Owen Strebig, Notre Dame football’s latest towering offensive tackle

Meet Owen Strebig: Notre Dame Football’s Latest Towering Offensive Tackle

In the world of college football, offensive linemen often don’t receive the same level of attention as skill position players, but they are arguably the most important individuals on the field. Without strong, reliable linemen to protect the quarterback and create running lanes for the backs, even the most dynamic offenses would crumble. One of the latest additions to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish’s offensive line is a player who has already begun to turn heads due to his size, strength, and potential: Owen Strebig.

Standing at 6’7″ and weighing in at around 330 pounds, Strebig is the definition of a towering presence on the football field. His physical traits alone make him an intriguing prospect, but it’s his work ethic, football IQ, and commitment to developing his skills that make him a potential cornerstone for Notre Dame’s offensive line. As a highly ranked recruit, Strebig has quickly become a key piece in Notre Dame’s pursuit of returning to national prominence. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into who Owen Strebig is, his journey to Notre Dame, and what makes him such an exciting prospect for the Fighting Irish.

The Journey to Notre Dame: A Rising Star

Owen Strebig hails from the small town of Appleton, Wisconsin, a community known for producing talented athletes across various sports. While Wisconsin is often recognized for its impressive reputation in producing high-level offensive linemen, Strebig’s story is unique. He wasn’t always a household name in the recruiting world, but his physical development, combined with his undeniable work ethic, helped elevate him into the conversation as one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the nation.

Growing up, Strebig was involved in multiple sports, including basketball and track, which helped him develop the agility, footwork, and athleticism that would later translate to his success on the football field. His early involvement in these sports set the foundation for the explosive athleticism and agility that would help him stand out among other elite offensive line prospects. However, it was his commitment to football that ultimately led him down the path to becoming a highly sought-after recruit.

Strebig’s rise in the recruiting world can be attributed to his size and raw athleticism, combined with his improvement in his technique and understanding of the game. High school coaches, scouts, and recruiting analysts were all impressed by his ability to dominate in both run-blocking and pass protection, as well as his fierce mentality on the field. As Strebig began to fill out his frame and refine his technique, he caught the attention of college football programs across the country.

By the time he reached his junior and senior seasons at Appleton North High School, Strebig had become a coveted prospect. His explosive power, quickness off the line of scrimmage, and ability to control defenders with his size and strength made him a force on the field. These attributes didn’t go unnoticed, and it wasn’t long before major programs, including Notre Dame, extended scholarship offers to him.

Why Notre Dame?

When it came time to choose a college, Strebig had a number of prestigious schools vying for his commitment. However, after a series of visits and extensive discussions with family, coaches, and mentors, Strebig ultimately chose Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish, with their storied football program, strong tradition, and emphasis on player development both on and off the field, stood out to Strebig as the perfect fit.

One of the key factors in his decision to commit to Notre Dame was the program’s reputation for developing offensive linemen. Over the years, Notre Dame has produced some of the top offensive line talent in the country, many of whom have gone on to have successful careers in the NFL. From legends like Mike McGlinchey and Quenton Nelson to recent standout players such as Liam Eichenberg and Robert Hainsey, the program has consistently built one of the most talented and respected offensive lines in college football.

Another factor that influenced Strebig’s decision was the coaching staff, particularly the opportunity to work with Notre Dame’s offensive line coach, Harry Hiestand. Hiestand, known for his ability to develop NFL-caliber offensive linemen, was a major selling point for Strebig. The chance to be coached by one of the best in the business and to learn from a coach with such a proven track record was a crucial factor in his commitment to Notre Dame.

Moreover, Strebig was drawn to the academic excellence of Notre Dame. As a student-athlete, he wanted to attend a university that would provide him with a world-class education, preparing him for life after football. The unique combination of academic rigor and top-tier football was a perfect match for his goals, both on and off the field.

Physical Attributes: A Towering Presence on the Field

At 6’7″ and 330 pounds, Strebig possesses a rare combination of size and agility that makes him a dominant force on the offensive line. His height allows him to see the field better than most offensive linemen, and his long arms make it difficult for defenders to get around him or disengage once he gets his hands on them. His sheer size is intimidating, but it’s his ability to move and maintain balance that sets him apart from many other linemen of similar stature.

One of Strebig’s most impressive qualities is his ability to move his massive frame with ease. Despite his size, he possesses surprising agility for an offensive tackle. His footwork, honed through years of playing basketball and working on his conditioning, is quick and effective, allowing him to mirror defenders in pass protection and get to the second level in the running game. His ability to stay in front of edge rushers and sustain blocks is a testament to his natural athleticism.

Additionally, Strebig’s strength is a major asset. He possesses the ability to dominate defenders in the run game, driving them off the line of scrimmage with ease. His physicality allows him to control the line of scrimmage and set the tone in both the passing and running games. However, it’s not just his raw power that makes him effective—Strebig’s technique has continued to improve under the guidance of coaches, allowing him to maximize his potential.

Strengths and Areas for Improvement

While Strebig has already established himself as one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the country, there are still areas where he can improve. No player is perfect, and Strebig’s growth as a player will come through refining his technique, continuing to build on his football IQ, and developing consistency at the college level.

A. Run Blocking and Physicality

One of Strebig’s greatest strengths is his ability to dominate defenders in the run game. His size, power, and leverage make him a force when driving defenders off the ball. His ability to open running lanes for his teammates is crucial in Notre Dame’s offense, which emphasizes a balanced attack that relies on both a strong running game and effective play-action passing.

However, as with all offensive linemen, Strebig will need to continue refining his technique in the run game. While his natural strength allows him to overpower defenders at the high school level, the competition at the college level will be far more challenging. At Notre Dame, Strebig will need to focus on pad level, hand placement, and staying balanced throughout the entirety of the block in order to avoid overextending or losing control of defenders.

B. Pass Protection and Footwork

Pass protection is often the most challenging aspect of playing offensive tackle, and Strebig will face a steep learning curve when it comes to handling the speed and skill of college pass rushers. While his agility allows him to mirror defenders and maintain solid balance in pass protection, refining his footwork will be key to his success at the next level.

At times, Strebig’s high school competition may not have provided the same level of speed or technique that he’ll encounter in college football. He’ll need to continue improving his lateral quickness and ability to reset after punch-and-pull moves from defenders. Working with offensive line coach Harry Hiestand will be critical for Strebig’s development in this area, as Hiestand is known for teaching precise footwork and hand technique.

The Future: Notre Dame’s Offensive Line Legacy

Owen Strebig’s commitment to Notre Dame adds another talented piece to what has already been one of the most impressive offensive line units in college football. With the Fighting Irish’s reputation for developing offensive linemen who go on to succeed at the NFL level, Strebig has the potential to follow in the footsteps of recent standouts like Quenton Nelson, Mike McGlinchey, and Liam Eichenberg. His combination of size, athleticism, and work ethic make him a player to watch in the coming years.

As Strebig continues to develop his skills, Notre Dame fans are excited about the future of the offensive line. His imposing presence will provide stability and strength, and his potential in both the run and pass game could make him a key contributor to the team’s success. Given Notre Dame’s tradition of outstanding offensive line play, Strebig has the opportunity to cement his legacy as one of the greats in the program’s history.