Virginia Tech Football: Former Hokie DB Greg Stroman faces most critical year as a pro

Former Virginia Tech football standout Greg Stroman will face the most difficult year yet of his pro career.  Stroman will be scratching and fighting his way with the Washington Football Team to make the team’s Week 1 roster.

Journey from Virginia Tech to the NFL

As a scholarship player for the Virginia Tech Hokies, Greg Stroman consistently fought to showcase his raw ability and versatility on the field. Positions played for the former Hokie standout included wide receiver, defensive back, and special teams extraordinaire.

The tenacity in which Stroman played with at Tech was admirable, as seen by his ability to excel in multiple roles. How much did he contribute? Stroman finished his four-year college career with a combined 1,586 yards as both a kick and punt returner. He also added in 22 yards of total offense. As a defensive player, he accounted for 61 combined tackles with nine interceptions on defense.

Arguably, Stroman’s effectiveness on defense and special teams was what put him on the radar for the NFL. At cornerback, in particular, he was considered an above-average athlete with efficient positional technique. The Washington Football Team recognized what value Greg Stroman brought to the table by selecting him late in the 2018 NFL Draft.

What to Expect of Greg Stroman in 2021

Since being drafted by Washington, difficulties have unfortunately followed for Stroman. After playing in 15 games as a rookie, he was placed on season-ending injury reserve in both the 2019 and 2020 seasons.  As a result, the defender has only played five total games in the past two years.

For Greg Stroman, proving his value as a professional has been difficult at best. The main reason it has been difficult has been due to his inability to remain healthy. Unfortunately, he will likely face further difficulty entering the 2021 season with Washington.

Competition at cornerback for the Washington Football Team is fierce. Stroman is likely on the outside looking in. Performing well at both training camp and in the preseason will be critical to avoid being cut. He must revert to his form as a Hokie via making splash plays and excelling as a utility type of player when called.

Regardless of the outcome, Stroman does have the necessary skills to continue his pro career. Another team would be foolish not to bring him in to look as a back-end corner option and special teams ace.

Final Thoughts

Meanwhile, the Stroman name will be involved with Virginia Tech football for the foreseeable future. Greg Stroman’s younger brother Jalen Stroman is an incoming freshmen defensive back from Patriot High School in Nokesville, Virginia.

Scouting analysts suggest that the younger Stroman truly has unlimited upside. A focus on building up his 6-foot-1, 192-pound frame, along with more advanced coaching, could turn the freshman defender into something special over time under defensive coordinator Justin Hamilton.

Both Greg and Jalen seem to have a love and respect for the game that will always represent the maroon and burnt orange of Hokie nation well. This 2021 NFL season will be Greg’s best chance yet to prove himself worthy for a contributing member on an NFL roster.