Top OL target Kaden Strayhorn commits to Michigan: "I want to build my own legacy"

Victors Weekend has produced another commitment for Michigan.

Three-star Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy offensive lineman Kaden Strayhorn gave U-M a verbal pledge on Saturday afternoon and announced his decision a day later.

Strayhorn picked Michigan over fellow finalists Colorado and Ohio State.

“It’s like my mom put it,” Strayhorn said. “She told Coach (Sherrone) Moore ‘he didn’t just commit to Michigan, he committed to you and Coach (Grant) Newsome.’ Our relationship has been developed for the last three years, so it runs really deep with them. They stayed consistent. Everything that needed to happen for me to come here, which is (Moore) becoming the head coach, did happen. Ever since then, it’s been smooth sailing. I just feel like this is home in my heart. Obviously, I can tell you that it’s because of the history of the offensive line and all that, but the real reason is Coach Moore.”

As mentioned, Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore played a massive role in winning over Strayhorn, whose father, Jason, played for rival Michigan State.

Remember, Moore was the offensive line coach prior to his promotion this offseason and served as Strayhorn’s lead recruiter for more than a year.

“I’m mixed, and his whole family is mixed,” Strayhorn said. “I liked the vibes from a family standpoint. My parents really enjoy his company. We got to meet his entire family today. His kids look like me. It was funny. My mom was like ‘his daughter looks like you.’ Also, my mom and dad appreciate the way he recruits me. He always calls and FaceTimes me. We’re doing Zooms all the time. We’re talking football and watching film. He’s always telling me how I can be better. All these coaches tell you that you’re great, but what stood out about Coach Moore was that he always told me what I could fix and how to get better.”

New Michigan offensive line coach Grant Newsome also impressed Strayhorn and helped win him over.

“He called me the morning after the job,” Strayhorn said. “He told me ‘I know you and Coach Moore had a great relationship, but I want to build this relationship just as strong as soon as we can.’ He stuck to what he said. We called each other every other day.”

Strayhorn added that this weekend’s official visit also had a big impact on his decision.

“All the talks I had with the coaches and the experiences I had here, it just feels like a family environment,” Strayhorn said. “I’m really familiar with them. It’s all been really good.”

At 6-foot-3, 285 pounds, Strayhorn is ranked as the No. 39 interior offensive lineman and No. 464 overall prospect nationally.

Strayhorn played a lot of tackle for IMG last season. However, he projects best as a center at Michigan and was recruited hard at the position.

“I see myself fitting in really well,” Strayhorn said. “I think I can play early not only as a center but also as a guard. I think I’ll be a plug and play guy.”

Overall, Strayhorn is excited to be a part of Moore’s first recruiting class as the head coach at the University of Michigan.

“I’m super excited to be a part of this class,” Strayhorn said. “It’s a blessing. I want to tell the Michigan fans that you got a leader and a hard worker. I’m ready to build my own legacy here. I didn’t go to Michigan State. I want to build my own legacy. I’m ready to do that.”