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Princeton University Athletics
Players Mentioned
Senior Tim Strickland Earns Ivy League Defensive Player Of The Week Honor
September 18, 2006 | Football
While Jay McCareins was putting forth an All-America season and Justin Stull was completing one of the great linebacking careers in the recent history of Princeton football, defensive back Tim Strickland quietly put together a terrific final stretch of games in 2005. He ended the season with four interceptions in as many games, including an overtime pick against Cornell and two in Princeton's win at Penn.
With McCareins, Stull and several other key pieces from last year's defense gone, some might have wondered where the plays would come from in 2006. The answer was right there all along.
Strickland was named the Ivy League Defensive Player of the Week after leading Princeton to a season-opening 14-10 victory at Lehigh Saturday. It was the Tigers' first win at Goodman Stadium since 1992 and their third straight season-opening victory. He will lead Princeton into its home opener this Saturday (6 p.m., Princeton Stadium) against Patriot League champion Lafayette.
"He's our bus driver," defensive backs coach Eric Jackson said. "He put himself in position to make the big plays. His hard work knowing both the Lehigh passing game and the running game paid off. Some of his tackles were just as important as his interceptions."
Strickland, who started his 31st consecutive game for Princeton on Saturday, picked off two passes, including one on the goal line, and led the Tigers with seven tackles (five solo) in the win. His first interception came on a crossing pass intended for tight end Troy Healion. Strickland broke in front of the ball, intercepted it and returned it 32 yards. That play inspired the offense to drive 68 yards for the go-ahead touchdown. His second pass thwarted a potential go-ahead drive for Lehigh in the fourth quarter.
Tickets for Saturday's contest are still available. You can call 609-258-3538 or purchase them on GoPrincetonTigers.com.