Summer is here, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Bucs fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Tampa Bay.
Are we going to write about quarterbacks? Offensive tackles? Edge rushers? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Bucs, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Bucs fans can be the most informed fans.
So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.
Film
- Iowa
- Ohio
Background Info
- Listed at 6-6/223 lbs.
- 3-Star recruit according to 247 Sports
- Played basketball in high school
- NYCHSFL AAA Defensive Player of the Year in high school
- Transferred from Rutgers to California
Notable career stats heading into 2026
- 13.7% Target share of the passing offense
- 111 Receptions
- 1,668 Receiving yards
Notable numbers from PFF heading into 2026
- 4.1 Yards after contact per reception
- 2.09 Yards per route run
- Average depth of target of 13 yards
- 6 Drops
- 43 Contested catches
Strengths
- Shows insane concentration
- Makes contested catches and maintains possession through contact
- Great strength and size for the position
- Body control when tracking the ball
- Reliable hands
Player Summary
Strong has a lot of tools to work with, and he is going to be a really fun piece in the Golden Bear offense in 2026. He has a chance to emerge as a strong receiver in the class based on his foundation as a prospect already consisting of body control, strong hands, and size. He uses all of those to make plays down the field, and it allows him to fend off defenders at the line or when he attacks the ball. What can be really impressive is his body control, as he is able to adjust to passes and time it all well enough to not give defenders the upper hand.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 2027 NFL Draft Summer Scouting Report: Ian Strong, WR, California
