Hello: Kevin Gross (Preferred Walk On)

Submitted by Primo on

Saline RB Kevin Gross commits to M as a preferred walk on.  He says that going to a school with high academic standards was key for him and he wasn't sure if he would get an offer that made sense.  Apparently Harbaugh assured him that preferred walk on status would not affect his opportunity to play if he proves he is the best option.

 

http://highschoolsports.mlive.com/news/article/484014618192383618/salin…

MGoBoard
Football

WolvinLA2

April 15th, 2015 at 9:32 PM ^

Always good to have athletes on the team who are willing to work hard.  Running backs especially are typically really versatile players - high schools running backs play that position because they're the most athletic kid on the team so the coach wants him with the ball, but those kids are often able to play lots of other positions and are great for special teams.  

Joined: 11/13/2009

MGoPoints: 58191

San Diego Mick

April 16th, 2015 at 1:42 PM ^

I know it was a highlight reel, but damn it was a long one and he looked really impressive. Not bad size at 5'11" 195.

Can catch the ball out of the backfield, break tackles, etc. Helluva a payer for a PWO, I bet he sees the field in some fashion in his time in A2!

Joined: 05/11/2011

MGoPoints: 50632

CoachBP6

April 15th, 2015 at 9:38 PM ^

We have brought on more preferred walk-ons this year than any year I can remember, a least recently. A lot of people think walk-ons are bums / poor players bu. am glad to have them bc they are often some of the hardest working people you will ever see. Welcome to the family Kevin!

Joined: 12/18/2013

MGoPoints: 7967

WolvinLA2

April 15th, 2015 at 9:58 PM ^

Sure, but that could have easily ended poorly because they hadn't played much football.  This kid has his special case - he missed his junior year with injury with hampered his visibility by programs and his development.  You don't have to be a complete anamoly to have a chance at success.  

Joined: 11/13/2009

MGoPoints: 58191

JayMo4

April 16th, 2015 at 8:01 AM ^

One of them is probably our top interior OL, the other was probably last year at least our best DL.  So yeah, I'd almost have to give them 4* value now (not that you could have seen it coming.)

But yeah, you want a good walk-on program for cases like this or Kovacs.

Joined: 04/19/2013

MGoPoints: 12070

WolverineinSB

April 16th, 2015 at 12:54 AM ^

One of my friends walked on at IU and didn't have major offers because people thought he was too small. He earned a scholarship as a sophomore and started a lot of games in his career. Not all turn out to be starters but a lot of them have a chip on their shoulder and will out work the scholarship players and use the fact that they were overlooked as motivation. That's at least what I saw from my experience with walk-ons



Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad

Joined: 01/07/2009

MGoPoints: 1700

michiganfanforlife

April 16th, 2015 at 9:49 AM ^

Walked on at IU only to be berated by Kevin Wilson for not fighting back when he was punched in the face by a group of townies. In fact his whole coaching staff made fun of him and they took him off of special teams the following week. As a result he ended up leaving the program and just plans to finish out his college life without football. Kevin Wilson is a special kind of douche bag that I really can't stand.

Joined: 05/05/2009

MGoPoints: 2788

LSAClassOf2000

April 15th, 2015 at 9:57 PM ^

Always nice to see fellow Hornets on the team up the road, but what a team indeed, eh? I know we're all excited about the national interest in Harbaugh, but it feels good to see kids from your old high school get noticed by Harbaugh and his staff. 

Welcome to Michigan, Kevin Gross!

Joined: 01/07/2011

MGoPoints: 130603

Blazefire

April 15th, 2015 at 11:53 PM ^

For the person that will inevitably ask, a preferred walk on spot just means if a guy leaves, putting the team under schollie numbers, you'll be the first considered to get a schollie, usually just for that season. If Drake couldn't come back, and we got down to 84, this kid might get a schollie for the 2015 season.



Sent from MGoBlog HD for iPhone & iPad

Joined: 04/17/2009

MGoPoints: 25038

Roc Blue in the Lou

April 16th, 2015 at 12:40 AM ^

Spent some time in Lincoln, NE, and was always impressed with the Neb. kids willing to walk on and play for the team they grew up idolizing.  It is always a positive reflection on the program when div.1 rated kids choose to play for their favorite school, even without a schollie.  Welcome Kevin and live your dream!!

Joined: 12/09/2013

MGoPoints: 2107