STARKVILLE — Anthony Strauder has set a lot of goals for himself.

On Monday, the Mississippi State offensive lineman checked one off his list.

Strauder, a 2003 Natchez High graduate, was selected to the third-team All-Southeastern Conference offensive team by the league coaches.

“That’s been my goal since I’ve been here,” Strauder said. “I had a real good season last year and it’s an honor to be named to the All-SEC team.”

The award came as no surprise to Mississippi State fifth-year offensive line coach J.B. Grimes, who touts Strauder as someone who has NFL talent.

“Anthony is just a good kid,” Grimes said. “He’s really smart and makes good decisions on the field. He’s got an NFL body with power, speed and quickness. He’s a guy who this year has a chance to be one of the better lineman in this league.”

And that’s where Strauder’s next goal comes in.

“My goal is to be named to the postseason All-SEC team,” Strauder said. “Our goal as a team is to win the SEC West. We’re heading in the right direction.”

Both Strauder and Grimes say the senior left guard has made significant strides in his Bulldog career.

“His motor has gotten better. That’s the most important thing,” Grimes said. “When he first came here, he didn’t quite understand the intensity level of SEC play. That’s where he’s really grown as a player and person with his intensity level and his willingness to work to get better.”

Strauder said it’s all about being consistent.

“Last year was a year I took a big step and became a more consistent player,” Strauder said. “Talking to (head) coach (Sylvester) Croom and coach Grimes, this is the year I may have a chance to move on (to the NFL), be a finisher and a dominant player. I’ve just got to do it.”

Strauder isn’t just performing on the football field, he’s also making a name for himself in the classroom and community.

Strauder is closing in on two degrees and has been named to the Academic All-SEC team and SEC Good Works team in his career at MSU, which he considers just as important as his football success.

“I wanted to come here and not say that I didn’t leave here with my degree,” Strauder said. “That’s something that no one else will take away from me.”

But when it comes to summing up Strauder as a player and a person, Grimes puts it best.

“He’s got a chance to have an outstanding senior year, come out of here with two degrees and make a lot of money playing professional football,” Grimes said. “It doesn’t get any better than that.”