2026 Getting to know Gabe Stratton from Colonel Crawford High School

 

Name: Gabe Stratton

School/town: Colonel Crawford High School, North Robinson, OH

Positions played: LB/RB

Class: 2028

Height and Weight: 6'2", 190

Jersey Number: 18

Awards won or earned: 2nd Team All-League (N10)

2nd Team All-District

2nd Team All-Coaches Selection

HUDL LINK: http://www.hudl.com/profile/18337764

Other sports played: baseball, basketball

Please post something from last season that sticks out to you. It can be from a game, practice, or something funny on the bus ride to or from the game. Any moment that sticks out to you.

What really stuck out to me was my team’s dedication throughout the whole season. We ended up going to the final 4 and having the best season in school history. It was really an eye-opener to see all the work put in finally come with results.

What was the best part of the 2025 season?

Playing in the final 4 and sharing team meals with some of my best friends

Where on the field do you feel you are best at?

I feel I am very good at play recognition and making open-field tackles.

What makes you a good teammate?

I am a leader on the field and in the classroom, always pushing my teammates to have the best grades possible and pushing them in the weight room to be the best they can be.

What has been your biggest accomplishment as an athlete?

My biggest accomplishment was playing as a sophomore and leading my team in tackles on the best team in school history.

What are your goals for the season?

My upcoming goals are to improve my stats from last year and to lead my team to a deep playoff run again.

What is your favorite part of practice?

My favorite part of practice is easily lifting. I am a dedicated lifter, and I always want to be stronger.

Who is the best player that you have faced in a game, along with the team he was on?

The best player I have faced was Jake LaVerde from Kirtland. He was an all-around great player and could strive anywhere they needed him to be.

What is something that you would like to do in a game but might never have the chance to?

I would love to play in a snow game with a couple inches on the ground and have fun in it.

What is the strongest part of your game?

The strongest part of my game is my film study. I am constantly watching and analyzing film throughout not only the season but also the postseason. And I feel that translates onto the field in my play recognitions and my quick reactions to where the ball is going.

Which part of your game do you hope to improve the most before the season gets here?

I hope to improve my read steps to make them more dominant and to have better attack angles downhill on run plays. I tend to step sideways instead of forwards sometimes, which slows me down, and I occasionally take too sharp of an angle on a ball carrier.

When things are a little tight at practice, which teammate is going to do something funny to loosen things up?

Last year it was Connor McMicheal, who was the greatest player I have ever played with personally. He always found a way to slide in a joke when appropriate, but he knew exactly when it was time to pay attention and made sure everyone was paying attention.

Which away stadium is the toughest to play in? Explain

Carey High School is such a tough place. They have great fans who always show up and are always loud. They have the fans right up against the field with little room on the sidelines, so you always hear exactly what they have to say. They also have this really loud train horn that they play whenever they have a good play, and it can be hard to play in for someone who has never experienced it before.

Have you watched any of the UFL games?

I tend to always watch a few because I love football and will watch it every time there is a chance.

What is one food you refuse to eat?

I refuse to eat guacamole. I can’t get past the texture of it.

Who is your favorite athlete?

Anthony Edwards. I'm not a big NBA fan, but the way he carries himself on and off the court with his confidence is amazing. Also, his athleticism is insane.