During his four years at Oklahoma, linebacker Eric Striker was a ball of endless energy who was able to produce on the field and be a leader off of it.

He’s back in Norman as head coach Bob Stoops confirmed Striker will be a defensive recruiting analyst for the Sooners moving forward.

“That’s hard to believe, isn’t it? No, Eric is going to do a great job for us,” Stoops said. “We’ve got him helping us on the defensive side with recruits, families when they are here on campus, those kind of things. So whatever things that he’s allowed to do, we’re going to implement them.”

Striker graduated following the 2015 season and perhaps is as famous for his impassioned speech after not getting selected in the 2016 NFL Draft than anything he did on the field.

But make no mistake about it as Striker was a major difference maker for the Sooners, especially during his final three seasons.

Recruiting, a lot of the time, can be about how relatable you are to today’s prospects. It’s going to be hard to find someone who is going to understand kids better than Striker.

“He’ll do a great job,” Stoops said. “Eric is a guy that, again, I think young people will relate to and he’ll be great with families as well. We’re excited to have him in our office.”

When you think of former OU players who seem like they are perfect for a spot like this, Striker jumps to the top of that conversation.

“He’s such an interesting story,” defensive coordinator Mike Stoops said. “A guy that really overachieved for – you know you look at his slight build and his size and what he was able to do against some of the best teams – he really had a strong desire to compete and compete at a high level.

“Brought a lot of energy. His likability as a person and energy in practice just helps across the board. Not only with our team but in recruiting as well.”

Striker will not be allowed to go on the road and recruit. However, whenever a prospect is in town for an unofficial visit or an official visit, he will be able to assist the Sooners in that way with face-to-face contact with a recruit and/or the family.