#29 Tristan Strong

2011
Opened the season as starter at outside linebacker, playing extremely well until suffering a lower leg injury at South Carolina that prematurely ended campaign… Started four games, ranking third on team with 13 solo tackles and 16 total tackles when he was forced out of uniform… Also added one tackle for loss and two passes defended… Topped defensive effort in victory over Ole Miss with eight total tackles… Career high in solo tackles (6) also came vs. Ole Miss.

2010
Returned to competition after months of rehabilitation to repair knee injured late in the 2009 season… Confidence in the knee improved as the season endured… Played in all 12 games, contributing on special teams and as reserve outside linebacker… Registered three total tackles, including one that resulted in loss… Posted pair of tackles in loss at Arkansas.

2009
A redshirt freshman, Strong suffered a season-ending leg injury at Army just as playing time was starting to increase… Saw action in first six games of season, contributing at linebacker and on coverage units… Ended season with three assisted tackles… Suffered knee injury while covering a kickoff at Army.

2008
A redshirt linebacker candidate this season as a true freshman, Strong showed plenty of potential during fall practices, then followed that effort with more promise through spring drills.

High School
Senior captain, helping squad to 10-3 overall record and appearance in Georgia AAAAA state quarterfinals… Two-year starter at LB; three-year letter winner… As senior, posted 46 total tackles, 31 solo stops, three QB sacks and a pair of INTs… Recovered fumble for TD… Returned two punts for 14.5-yard average… In 2006, squad went 6-6, advancing to first round of playoffs… As junior, contributed 51 total tackles, seven sacks, 11 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a blocked kick… Named to first team 5A All-State squad and All-Gwinnett County team… Played in recent Georgia North-South All-Star Game… Played varsity basketball.

Personal
Tristan Julio Strong… Son of Julio and Jody Strong… Born on Nov. 10, 1989… Dad is an electrician; mom is a florist… Two uncles, Tami Tarbush and Ricky Payne, played football at South Carolina; another uncle, Rod Cole, played basketball at Georgia… Working toward degree in Human and Organizational Development.