Key visits ahead for 2025 four-star Florida IOL Kaden Strayhorn
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
All the traits needed to be a dominating player in the trenches at the next level are coming together for Kaden Strayhorn. The 2025 lineman out of IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) had high expectations placed upon his shoulders with a legacy bloodline that goes back to Michigan State, and he is delivering. Strayhorn is adding muscle and strength to his frame and the skills to be that must-get prospect for college programs.
If not on the field or in the classroom, the weight room has been a good place to find Strayhorn. Over the offseason, the four-star added 20 pounds to his 6-foot, 4-inch, frame tipping the scale at 305. The brute strength is following.
“At IMG, we do three-rep maxes,” Strayhorn said. “My bench is 345 to 350, my hang clean is around 350, and last spring I got 705 on squat with the safety bars.”
Teams keep skipping out on playing the Ascenders, but in the four games played, Strayhorn gave an update.
“The season is going well,” Strayhorn stated. “We opened with Lipscomb (TN); that was a good win. They had four scrimmages before we played them. Our coaches were telling us to come together as a unit. We have a new team with new guys coming in; I think we did a good job. We had an injury, Dylon (Worthen) came in at defensive end and secured the edge for us. We had a good team win.
“We played St. Joseph Prep (PA) in New Jersey; we won 17-14. That was a close game. For our offense, that was our worst game of the season. But we ran for 260 yards the next game. We have done a good job responding. We have leaders to bring guys up instead of pushing them down. Player led teams, not coaching led teams, they win national championships. We have done a good job of being player led this year.”
Strayhorn’s versatility along the line is helping the Ascenders win games and preparing him for the college game.
“This summer I put on 15 to 20 pounds; I’m at 305. During the spring I was at 285. My weight room has been better. I was at right tackle at my old school; I got good at playing guard and center last year. I was rotating last year at guard and center, now I am starting at right tackle this year. I am showing my versatility.
“Starting at right tackle at IMG says a lot. Playing in college, I will be at center and guard. In the NFL, I will probably play center. My versatility is really good, and on film I show that. During our spring game, I was at right guard and center for every other drive. On one drive I was at guard and then I was at center; not many people can do that in a game. I think that says a lot about me. I think teams are starting to see that.”
Teams are seeing Strayhorn’s progression dropping 21 offers. Two more high-profile opportunities may be coming Strayhorn’s way.
“Oklahoma said they will be here soon, and Oregon is coming,” Strayhorn shared. “I was supposed to visit both schools this summer; they are coming to be on campus coming up.”
While some teams are coming in, Strayhorn is ramping up getting out and about across the country.
“I went to the Tennessee vs. Florida game; that was a quick drive there,” Strayhorn said. “I am looking to get to Alabama, and I might go to the Oklahoma vs. Texas game (Oct. 7). I want to visit Tennessee. I am going to Ohio State, and I am going to the Michigan vs. Michigan State game (Oct. 21). I have never been to that game; I should be there for that. I should visit Miami soon and I am visiting Florida for the Arkansas game (Nov. 4).”
Ties to the Spartans years ago are drawing Strayhorn to Tuscaloosa.
“My dad played for coach (Nick) Saban,” Strayhorn stated. “Him being in my recruiting process, it is cool to see a guy that coached my dad wanting to coach me. Tyler Booker (2022 IMG OT) told me I should go there; his dad comes to see me and Ellis Robinson. Under coach Saban, Tyler Booker is doing well there; he should be a first rounder.”
The growing connection out of Gainesville was covered.
“Ever since Aug. 1, they have come after me,” Strayhorn shared. “They offered me that night. Coach (Rob) Sale (OC/OL), he has (2023 IMG OL) Knijeah Harris. Knijeah has been flourishing. He played the whole fourth quarter the other day. He has lost 30 pounds. His whole body has changed. To see what they have done for him. He gives them high praise.
“For the Tennessee game, that was my first time in Gainesville. Coach Sale wants me there. The Gators are wearing all black for the first time in school history in that game (Arkansas). It was good to meet everyone when I visited. I have talked to coach (Billy) Napier a couple times.”
Miami also has an IMG pipeline with former o-linemen flourishing.
“With the Hurricanes, we are super close,” Strayhorn said. “I talk to them all the time. Coach (Alex) Mirabal (OL) and I are close. Francis (2023 IMG OT Mauigoa) and (2023 IMG IOL – Antonio) Tripp are there.
“With Francis being there, he was my main mentor when I got to IMG. I learned from him for a year. Him starting as a freshman at tackle, he is doing everything he wanted. Coach (Mario) Cristobal is cool. Coach Mirabal talks to my parents. They send handwritten letters to my family. They reached out to her for her birthday. They are up there for me, and they are 4-0 this year.”
Another team to watch out for in Strayhorn’s recruiting process are the Bulldogs.
“Georgia offered me this summer after a private workout, they have stayed in contact with me,” Strayhorn shared. “(2024 five-star QB) Dylan Raiola has been talking to me a lot as well.”