Wake Forest Athletics
Strnad Provides Support and Leadership to Linebacker Core
12/25/2019 12:00:00 PM | Football, Les Johns
Despite a season-ending injury, senior linebacker Justin Strnad is still finding a way to contribute to the Demon Deacon football team
Senior linebacker Justin Strnad had played in every game since the season opener of his redshirt freshman campaign in 2016 — a streak of 46 straight games with 20 consecutive starts.
That ended when he ruptured his bicep tendon in the 22-20 home victory over Florida State in mid-October. It was a season-ending injury for Strnad, who will make the trip to New York City for the Pinstripe Bowl, but will not get to play.
"It's been tough, obviously," Strnad said. "When it first happened, it was really tough. I want to be out there with my guys. As it's gone on, I've just continued to work and rehab. I want to support our guys, and it's great to see the guys step up when they're needed."
He was on track for his final season to be his best season wearing the Old Gold & Black, posting 69 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and four pass breakups in the seven games he played. He was among the ACC leader in tackles when the injury occurred.
"My heart breaks for Justin as much as any player on our team," Wake Forest coach Dave Clawson said. "He has worked so hard to build Wake Forest football and our program. It just kills him to not be playing his senior year."
A season ago, Strnad was essentially the last linebacker standing, as the position experienced a rash of injuries that forced safety Luke Masterson to transition to linebacker mid-season. This year, it was Masterson who went down to injury a week before Strnad was lost.
"I look at him before every game and just feel terrible for him," Clawson said about the senior captain Strnad. "It's hard. But he's done a good job. He's stayed involved with the linebackers. He's helped the young players. He's been a great influence on Chase Jones, Chase Monroe and Ja'Cquez Williams. He's still been a good leader, but it's hard."
"When you work so hard for success and you're having that dream senior year, but in one play it's all taken away from you — that's hard for anybody. He's awesome. He's first class. You'd love to have 110 like him. Healthy though."
The injury does not mean Strnad is not having a positive impact on the program, however. Filling in for Strnad the rest of the way has been converted rover Ja'Cquez Williams, who is arguably been playing the best football of his career. Williams, a redshirt junior, has recorded three games with double-digit tackles down the stretch, and has accumulated 64 stops, 5.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks and a pass breakup on the season.
"Justin has been my biggest supporter, been in my corner and been my biggest advocate," Williams said. "He has been telling me what to look for and what to expect. When we're watching film, he's right there next to me. He makes sure I'm prepared. He's one of those guys who just wants to win and he wants us all to be the best we can be. I'm forever indebted to Justin and consider him my big brother."
Strnad said he's tried to help where he can, but gives all of the credit to Williams and linebacker coach Tyler Santucci.
"Ja'Cquez has done a great job of preparing himself and coach Santucci does a great job of getting everyone in the room prepared," he said. "I've helped him with whatever questions he's had. I'm not going to take credit for his play or anything like that. I'm just here to support. I'm here for anything he needs."
Strnad expects to be medically cleared later this month and plans to start pre-NFL draft training.
"It's been a great journey that's lasted five years for me with the redshirt season," he said. "To experience that 3-9 team that really struggled and see where we've come to really build this winning culture here. It's something coach Clawson has done a great job in keeping. The new guys haven't been here through the hard times, so he stays on them so that they realize it doesn't just happen. For those of us who have been here five years, we know the work it takes to get here."
"I can't say enough words. I have some of my best friends who I'll know the rest of my life from here. It's been a great time. All good things must come to an end."
