Question for TomVH: The Continuation of RR's Preferred Walkon Program / Interest in Walk-On Players?
Just a quick question for TomVH and others that might know -
Rich Rodriguez established a preferred walk-on program at Michigan which had a number of players added to UM's roster over the last few years. I'm a firm believer that walk-ons can be very good contributors, as they have been at places like Nebraska, Stanford, and other schools.
Do we know whether this "preferred walk-on" program might continue under Hoke?
There are a few players that were/are coming to Michigan with that understanding, such as Traverse City fullback Joey Kerridge. Keeping a No. 16 ranked fullback coming to Michigan would be a good thing, I would think, given Borges'/Hoke's love affair with battering ram ISO plays not to mention an extra blockeror safety valve receiver on play action passes, etc. (Hello waggle pass to FB in the flat!...and touchdown!! Where have you been?)
I'm hoping this walkon program or a derivative thereof can continue at Michigan, especially if Hoke wants to sink the roots in deeper with H.S. coaches and players in the state of Michigan.
Thoughts?
January 14th, 2011 at 1:13 PM ^
......in the first part of his reign. The program got away from this later on and all the way through the Lloyd era, It is one of the few positive things that RR instituted upon his arrival and IMHO it's worth keeping.
January 14th, 2011 at 1:17 PM ^
I second the motion. I really like the walkon program.
January 14th, 2011 at 1:19 PM ^
but I may be wrong but I believe Brian Griese came to Michigan as a walk-on, but that might have been just before the start of the Lloyd era.
January 14th, 2011 at 4:01 PM ^
January 14th, 2011 at 1:26 PM ^
I believe Jordan Kovacs (though not a "preferred" walkon) approves.
January 14th, 2011 at 1:26 PM ^
January 14th, 2011 at 1:29 PM ^
We're Michigan we need to get back to the Preferred 5 Star
January 14th, 2011 at 1:32 PM ^
Family hasn't heard anything from the athletic department although they said to expect a phone call this week. I'll keep you guys updated when we get more information.
Obviously I hope he keeps the program alive but like you said, there have been many significant contributors that walked on to their respective schools. Blair White and Clay Matthews come to mind as well as all the others you have mentioned.
January 14th, 2011 at 1:36 PM ^
We'll need another Chris Floyd, Aaron Shea or B.J. Askew type kid in the lineup over the next several years.
January 14th, 2011 at 1:44 PM ^
He tore his ACL before his senior season, which was a complete bummer and a buzzkill for our entire summer. I think my parents and I took it worse than he did, but his surgery went well and he is well ahead of schedule for rehab. Coach Frey (his recruiter) wanted him to enroll early so he could finish his rehab at Michigan and be ready for spring practice but unfortunately the staff was fired and now we don't know what is going on.
He had walk-on opportunities from CMU, Stanford and Northwestern but he loves Michigan, after I made sure he loved it growing up, and wants to go to school there as much as he wants to play football. Regardless of what happens he will be a freshman next year, I just hope Hoke gives him the opportunity to compete for a spot.
January 14th, 2011 at 2:01 PM ^
I have a feeling your brother will be welcome with open arms in regards to walking on at Michigan. Good luck to him on his rehab and I hope to see him on the field in a few seasons.
January 14th, 2011 at 2:45 PM ^
"he is well ahead of schedule for rehab."
That is awesome to hear. Someone with that kind of work ethic belongs at Michigan. I look forward to seeing him in a winged helmed soon.
January 14th, 2011 at 1:40 PM ^
Iowa had 3 walk ons drafted in the first 5 rounds of the 2003 NFL draft.
Dallas Clark - 1st Round
Derek Pagel - 5th Round
Bruce Nelson - 2nd Round