Penn Hills grad Raion Strader makes immediate impact for Miami (Ohio) defense

Raion Strader felt more than prepared once the time rolled around to balance time in the classroom with time on the field with the Miami (Ohio) football program. Enrolling in college early allowed the Penn Hills graduate to understand what he was in for.

“I wanted to stay consistent,” Strader said. “I wanted to be consistent everywhere in my life. That helped me stay ahead of the curve.”

Strader has made a big mark during his first season with the Redhawks. He was recently named a freshman All-American by College Football Network. He is the first Miami freshman to earn such an honor since former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was chosen by the Football Writers Association of America in 2001.

Strader started 12 of Miami’s 13 games this season, breaking up 13 passes and making 12 starts at cornerback. Strader also intercepted a pass and finished with 57 tackles.

“My preparation is at another level,” Strader said. “I credit (Miami cornerbacks coach) Robert Blanton with that. Preparation helps me feel the most confident with my craft.”

Miami’s confidence in its defense has been high all season. The Redhawks have the seventh-best scoring defense in the nation, only allowing 16.2 points per game.

During a rematch with Toledo in the MAC Championship game, the Redhawks shut Toledo out in the first and fourth quarters of a 23-14 win. The Rockets had beaten Miami, 21-17, earlier in the season and were favorites entering the game.

“I felt our defense played well overall through all four quarters,” Strader said.

Miami’s win moved the team to 11-2 and secured the program’s first conference championship since 2019.

Heading into a matchup with Appalachian State in the Cure Bowl on Dec. 16 in Orlando, the Redhawks were hoping to finish with 12 or more wins for the second time in the program’s history. Miami’s 2003 team, Roethlisberger’s senior year, finished 13-1 and beat Louisville in the GMAC Bowl.

The Redhawks finished that season ranked inside the top 15.

Strader wants to keep building his resume as his college career continues. With such a strong start, Strader believes he has much more to accomplish.

“To summarize the season, I couldn’t have planned it any better,” Strader said. “I just want to keep stacking strong seasons, get more accolades and keep winning.”