Former Miami (OH) cornerback Raion Strader has reportedly committed to join the Auburn Tigers next season. Strader, who led the nation with 20 passes defended this season, helped lead the Red Hawks to a MAC Championship appearance this season despite an 0-3 start to the 2024 campaign.
The sophomore from Pittsburgh, PA entered the transfer portal this winter following two very solid seasons in the MAC. Although he did not receive much interest from Division 1 schools during his high school recruitment process, the incoming junior developed into a very important piece for the Red Hawks as soon as he stepped onto campus. 247 Sports ranked him as the No. 5 cornerback in the current transfer cycle, ultimately giving him a four-star recruit ranking after he spent his high school career unranked.
In two seasons with Miami (OH), the 6-foot, 182-pound defensive back registered 30 passes defended, 110 total tackles, and 3 interceptions. He was able to accumulate at least 2 passes defended in four of his team’s final six games this season, including one in the MAC Championship against Ohio.
While current starting cornerbacks Kayin Lee and Jay Crawford are highly unlikely to cede snaps in the defensive backfield next season, Strader should have the opportunity to compete for playing time at either cornerback or safety in what is expected to be one of the youngest defensive back groupings in the conference.
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