Derrick Strait

Derrick Strait (born August 27, 1980 in Austin, Texas) is a professional American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. Strait was originally drafted by the New York Jets in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oklahoma.

Strait has also been a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago Bears, Carolina Panthers, Columbus Destroyers and Edmonton Eskimos. He won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Jim Thorpe Award at Oklahoma in 2003.

Early years
Attended Lanier High School in Austin, playing football for former University of Texas player Wade Johnson. While in high school Strait was selected to the Texas Top 100 by the Houston Chronicle and a Max Emfinger National Top 500 selection. Strait saw action as a quarterback, defensive back and running back during his senior season, where he rushed for 1,439 yards and 17 touchdowns, recording eight runs of 20 or more yards, including one of 81 yards and also threw three touchdowns. He also had, 118 tackles (52 solos), one sack, two forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, 11 pass deflections and two interceptions on defense. He returned one fumble 42 yards for a touchdown. Strait combined for more than 1,500 yards as a junior (790 passing and 712 rushing). He was an All-District standout as well as being selected to the All-CenTex team.

College
Upon graduating from high school he received a scholarship to play for Oklahoma where he was a starter at the cornerback position all four years. Derrick was a two-time All-American, recipient of the 2003 Bronko Nagurski Trophy, and the 2003 Jim Thorpe Award his senior season. He holds a team record with five fumble recoveries in a single season. He was named to the Sports Illustrated All-Decade Team in 2009.

Freshman (2000)
In 2000, Strait was selected as the Big 12 Conference Defensive Newcomer of the Year by the Associated Press, Freshman All-America selection by The Sporting News, an All-Big 12 third team selection by the Big 12 Coaches. Strait started every game at right cornerback and finished his first season fourth in tackles with 62. He also recorded five tackles for loss, two sacks and 15 pass deflections. He recorded the second most deflections on the team and fourth most for an Oklahoma defensive back in a single season. Strait recorded one of his biggest deflections late in the Oklahoma State game when he broke up a pass in the end zone on fourth and goal, which helped Oklahoma secure the victory. Strait also had another key breakup in the Orange Bowl against Florida State, with he deflected a possible touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, he also had five tackles in the game. Strat had a two of interceptions, including a third quarter pick against Nebraska which he returned 32 yards for a touchdown, he was also one of five Sooners to return an interception for a touchdown. He recorded a career high 10 tackles against Texas. He also recorded five tackles, two tackles for loss and one sack a week later at Kansas State. Strait also had seven tackles and an interception in the final home game of the year against Texas Tech.

Sophomore (2001)
In 2001, Strait was an All-Big 12 Second Team selection by the Associated Press. He was also an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention selection by the Big 12 Coaches. Strait emerged as one of the better cover corners in the country. He recorded a season high nine tackles at Nebraska. Strait had at least three tackles in 11 of the 12 regular season games. Strait had eight tackles against Texas. He returned an interception 47 yards for a touchdown in the season opener against North Carolina, cutting across the field in almost an exact replay of his TD against Nebraska the previous year. Strait did however give up the winning touchdown in the 2001 Bedlam Series against Oklahoma State to Rashaun Woods, unable to perform his game-saving magic of a year ago.

Junior (2002)
In 2002, Strait was a Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist, consensus All-Big 12 first team. He started every game at cornerback. He tied for the team lead with six interceptions, the No. 10 total in school history, and set a school record for return yards in a season by taking his six interceptions back for 175 yards. Strait had two interceptions at Baylor which he returned for a school record 127 yards, one for a 75-yard touchdown. Strait had a total of 175 interception return yards for the season rank third on the team. Strait had a season high eight tackles at Texas A&M.

Senior (2003)
In 2003, Strait won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, and the Jim Thorpe Award.

On February 9, 2004, Dem. Senator Debbe Leftwich, praised Strait on the Senate floor when she presented him with Senate Resolution 36.

National Football League
Strait was selected with the 13th pick in the 3rd round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. After spending two seasons primarily as a backup defensive back, Strait was traded to the Cleveland Browns on August 14, 2006 for running back Lee Suggs. Suggs, however, failed his physical, and both he and Strait returned to their respective teams. On October 11, 2006 he was claimed off waivers by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but was released a week later. On November 8, 2006, he was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Bears. On December 9, 2006 he was released by the Bears. On December 11, 2006 he was claimed off waivers by the Carolina Panthers. On September 1, 2007, he did not make the final cut down, and was released by the Panthers.

Arena Football League
In 2008, Strait joined the Columbus Destroyers of the Arena Football League. However he was waived on February 13.

Canadian Football League
On March 4, 2008, Strait signed with the Edmonton Eskimos.

On March 6, 2009, he was signed by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers but was released at the beginning of training camp.