Raion Strader, a talented cornerback from Miami-Ohio, has officially signed with Auburn football, marking a significant addition to the Tigers’ defensive lineup. Despite receiving numerous offers and having additional visits scheduled with other schools, Strader decided to commit to Auburn after a standout visit. The announcement came on Tuesday, signaling that Strader, who was highly ranked as a top-100 player in the transfer portal and considered a top-11 cornerback nationally, would be joining the Tigers. As a rising junior, Strader will have two seasons of eligibility left to play, giving him ample opportunity to make an impact at Auburn.
Strader’s decision to choose Auburn was largely influenced by the program’s culture, family atmosphere, and overall environment. He was particularly drawn to the way the Auburn community takes pride in its football team and sports programs. Strader noted that Auburn’s genuine passion for football and the support from the town were major factors in his commitment. “You could tell this town really holds its pride in football and sports in total,” Strader explained. This sense of pride and strong community bond clearly resonated with him during his visit, solidifying his decision to become part of the Auburn football family.
In his two seasons at Miami-Ohio, Strader became a key player for the Redhawks, amassing 110 total tackles. He also showcased his abilities in the passing game, recording three interceptions and 31 pass breakups. In fact, Strader led the nation in pass breakups during the 2024 season, with an impressive 18 on the year. His solid track record made him a highly sought-after player in the transfer portal, and he is excited about the opportunity to continue his development at Auburn. Strader is confident that the Auburn program will help him reach even greater heights in his football career, citing the electric atmosphere surrounding the team’s cornerbacks and the way they have developed throughout the season.
The most significant factor in Strader’s decision to transfer to Auburn, however, was the coaching staff, particularly cornerbacks coach Wesley McGriff, also known as “Crime Dawg.” Strader emphasized that the quality of coaching was crucial in his decision-making process, noting that while all the schools he considered offered great opportunities, the question of who would coach him was the deciding factor. He described McGriff as “one of one,” highlighting the strong connection they formed during the recruiting process. Strader was impressed by McGriff’s commitment to his players, stating that McGriff promised to be with him every step of the way from day one, ensuring he was well-supported both on and off the field. Strader resonated with this message, feeling confident that McGriff’s coaching style would help him improve his skills and reach his full potential.
Auburn’s cornerback room, which has been relatively young, will benefit greatly from Strader’s experience and leadership. As an upperclassman, Strader will bring much-needed veteran presence to the position group. His solid production at Miami-Ohio will undoubtedly add depth to the Tigers’ secondary. According to Pro Football Focus, Strader posted a better coverage grade than any Auburn cornerback this past season, with the exception of true freshman Jay Crawford. This statistical evidence further underscores Strader’s capability and readiness to contribute immediately to Auburn’s defense.
Auburn’s coaching staff will be looking to Strader to provide not only his on-field production but also mentorship for the team’s younger cornerbacks. While Auburn has several promising young players in the secondary, Strader’s experience and proven ability will be valuable assets as these younger players continue to develop. His presence in the cornerback room will provide them with a role model to emulate, as Strader’s success in college football will inspire them to push themselves to new levels of performance.
Overall, Auburn is getting a highly skilled and seasoned cornerback in Strader, who is poised to make a significant impact in the Tigers’ defensive backfield. With his impressive track record, leadership qualities, and connection with cornerbacks coach Wesley McGriff, Strader is well-positioned to help elevate Auburn’s defense. His ability to cover receivers, create turnovers, and serve as a mentor to younger players will be invaluable assets for the Tigers as they look to strengthen their secondary and build upon their success in the coming seasons.
