I wouldn't say that Strauman is anything like a Johnny Gray or Khadevis Robinson. If you add Jonathan Johnson in there, and these three have been the definition of front running in the 800 for the US...taking the pace from the start and pulling the field through in 49 seconds. He is very talented and dominant at this level, but from what I've heard in the past, he does rely a lot on his closing speed.
All he needs to do is continue to do what he's doing, and maybe get a little more used to running in bigger crowds. It can be quite a change after running solo all season, to running with 7 or 8 others that can respond to most of your moves. He's not going to easily run away from the field in an NCAA Final...it's mostly about setting yourself up for the last 150-250. It's not about the time in those races, it's about where you finish.
After flying back East to visit family for a week, I had the pleasure of watching him run at Bucknell on Saturday. It was the first time I ever saw him race, and I couldn't have been more impressed with the outcome. He is very confident, and it was evident that the others in the conference are intimidated by him, while in complete awe as they watched him.
I'd really like to see Strauman get the National Title that he deserves this year, and possibly continue his season in the Olympic Trials. He's a hell of a runner, and while I'm disappointed that I never had the opportunity to race with him...I'm a little happy that I never had to.
Keep up the good work...I'll be watching!