.png&width=32&height=32&type=webp)
The University of Mississippi Athletics
Eddie Strong Receives Red Blaik Leadership Award
2/25/2003 | Football
Feb. 25, 2003
JACKSON, Miss. - Ole Miss senior linebacker Eddie Strong of Batesville, Miss., has been selected to the 11-man Colonel (Red) Blaik Outstanding Scholarship Leadership Team for 2002, it was announced by the All-America Football Foundation.
"Originated in 1994, this is the Foundation's ninth Colonel Blaik Scholarship group," Foundation President Jimmie McDowell said.
Joining Strong on the 2002 Leadership Team are Carson Palmer, University of Southern California; Brad Banks, University of Iowa; Larry Johnson, Penn State University; Jason Gesser, Washington State University; Ken Dorsey, University of Miami; Byron Leftwich, Marshall University; Kliff Kingsbury, Texas Tech University; Carl Morris, Harvard University; E. J. Henderson, University of Maryland; and Mike Doss, Ohio State University.
The selection of Strong to receive the Red Blaik Outstanding Scholarship Leadership Award marks the fourth straight year for an Ole Miss student-athlete receive the honor. Previous Ole Miss players to be recognized include offensive tackle Todd Wade in 1999, running back Deuce McAllister in 2000, and offensive tackle Terrence Metcalf in 2001.
Strong was an All-Star performer during his four seasons with the Rebels as he earned four letters, starting 35 of 43 games, including six as a true freshman in 1998. He was a leader on defense throughout his career, although he was forced to miss the entire 2000 season with a stress fracture in his left foot. Since he played as a true freshman, the 2000 campaign became a redshirt season.
During his career, Strong was credited with 306 tackles, including 176 solo hits. He had 25 tackles for losses of 104 yards, had 10 1/2 quarterback sacks for a minus 78 yards, caused two fumbles, recovered seven fumbles, broke up 14 passes, had 13 QB pressures, and intercepted two passes. He played in the 2003 East-West Shrine Football Game in San Francisco.
In recognition of Strong's selection, the University of Mississippi will receive a $500 check for the General Scholarship Fund in the name of Eddie Strong.
