 He finished his college career in second place in school history in total tackles (479) and first place in solo tackles (321); he also led the Boilermakers in tackles in 3 straight seasons (1985-87).Strickland was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the second round (47th overall) of the 1988 NFL Draft.As a rookie, he was a backup linebacker, tallying 43 tackles (34 solo) and 4 sacks.