In college football, there’s often a lot of attention on star recruits, but what about the players who join the team without an athletic scholarship? These athletes are known as walk-ons. What is a walk-on in football? Simply put, a walk-on is a player who tries out for and earns a spot on the team without initially receiving a scholarship. Walk-ons make up a vital part of college football rosters and often bring incredible work ethic and passion to the sport. This article will explain what it means to be a walk-on, the different types of walk-ons, and the challenges and rewards these players face.
Understanding the Role of a Walk-On in Football
A walk-on in football is an athlete who joins a college team without the benefit of an athletic scholarship. Walk-ons go through a tryout process to prove they have the skills, determination, and work ethic to contribute to the team. Unlike scholarship players, who are recruited and awarded financial aid specifically for their athletic abilities, walk-ons often cover their own tuition and expenses.
Walk-ons can play an important role on a team. They provide depth to the roster, participate in practice, and help push scholarship players by adding competition. In some cases, walk-ons can even earn playing time and scholarships, making significant contributions to their team’s success.
Types of Walk-Ons
There are two primary types of walk-ons in college football: preferred walk-ons and regular (or true) walk-ons. Each type has a different path to joining the team and a unique experience in college football.
Preferred Walk-Ons
A preferred walk-on is a player who has been recruited by the coaching staff and is invited to join the team without an athletic scholarship. These players typically don’t have to go through an open tryout because they are already on the coach’s radar and have been given a spot on the team.
Preferred walk-ons often commit to the team before arriving on campus, much like scholarship players. They receive a roster spot and participate in team activities, practices, and meetings from the beginning. While they are not guaranteed playing time or a scholarship, preferred walk-ons often have a clearer path to both, as they have already impressed the coaching staff.
Regular (True) Walk-Ons
A regular walk-on, also known as a true walk-on, is a player who joins the team by attending an open tryout. These players are not recruited by the coaching staff and do not have a guaranteed spot on the team. Instead, they must prove their skills during tryouts, competing against other students for a chance to make the roster.
Regular walk-ons face the toughest path, as they must stand out in tryouts, often without the benefit of prior interactions with the coaches. However, these players have the potential to work their way up through the ranks, and some go on to earn scholarships and playing time by proving themselves on the field.
The Walk-On Tryout Process
For regular walk-ons, the journey starts with an open tryout, which is typically held at the beginning of the season. Here’s what the tryout process involves:
Registration and Eligibility
Prospective walk-ons need to register for tryouts and ensure they meet all eligibility requirements set by the NCAA and the school. This includes academic qualifications and adhering to amateur status rules. Athletes are required to provide proof of medical clearance, such as a physical, to participate in tryouts safely.
Skills Assessment
During the tryout, coaches will evaluate the players’ abilities through various drills and tests. Common assessments include the 40-yard dash, shuttle runs, bench press, and position-specific drills. These tests measure athleticism, speed, strength, and skill level. Coaches may also look at each player’s understanding of football fundamentals, such as footwork, tackling, and ball-handling skills.
Evaluation and Selection
After the tryout, coaches will review the players’ performances and decide if any of the walk-on candidates have potential. The number of players chosen depends on the team’s needs and available roster spots. Those selected as walk-ons will be invited to join the team, where they can begin practicing and attending team meetings.
Life as a Walk-On Player
Walk-ons often face unique challenges as they work to earn their place on the team. While being a walk-on can be a rewarding experience, it requires a high level of commitment and perseverance.
Financial Commitment
Since walk-ons do not receive athletic scholarships initially, they are responsible for covering their own tuition, housing, and other expenses. This financial commitment can be a burden, especially when balancing the demands of football and academics. Some walk-ons may work part-time jobs or rely on academic scholarships and financial aid to help cover costs.
Limited Playing Time
Walk-ons usually start at the bottom of the depth chart and may not see much playing time, especially in their early years. Scholarship players often get priority when it comes to game-day rosters and practice reps. As a result, walk-ons must work hard in practice to earn the coach’s attention and move up in the ranks. For many walk-ons, playing time may initially be limited to scout team roles, where they help the starters prepare for upcoming games by simulating the opponent’s plays.
Proving Their Worth
Walk-ons often carry a chip on their shoulder, using their underdog status as motivation. Many walk-ons are determined to prove they belong and work tirelessly to demonstrate their commitment and skills. Coaches frequently appreciate the energy and work ethic walk-ons bring, as these players push their scholarship teammates in practice and set an example of hard work.
Potential for Earning a Scholarship
One of the most significant rewards for a walk-on is the potential to earn a scholarship. While not guaranteed, many college teams award scholarships to walk-ons who excel both on and off the field. Coaches may offer scholarships to walk-ons who demonstrate exceptional talent, leadership, and dedication. Earning a scholarship as a walk-on is a proud accomplishment and a testament to a player’s hard work and determination.
Benefits of Being a Walk-On
Despite the challenges, being a walk-on in football comes with several benefits, both during college and beyond.
Gaining College Football Experience
Walk-ons gain valuable experience by participating in a college football program. They learn from experienced coaches, train alongside talented teammates, and compete at a high level. This experience provides an opportunity to grow as an athlete, build discipline, and develop a strong work ethic.
Developing Leadership Skills
Walk-ons often become leaders through their perseverance and dedication. By pushing themselves to improve, they inspire their teammates and set an example of resilience. Many walk-ons earn the respect of their coaches and teammates, who recognize the commitment required to succeed without the guarantee of playing time or scholarship support.
Building Lifelong Friendships
Football teams are like families, and being part of a college football team allows walk-ons to build strong bonds with their teammates. The shared experience of training, practicing, and competing together fosters friendships that last well beyond college. These connections can be personally meaningful and professionally beneficial as players move on to careers after college.
Potential Career Opportunities
Former walk-ons have gone on to successful careers in coaching, sports management, and even professional football. The qualities required to succeed as a walk-on—perseverance, resilience, and teamwork—are highly valued in the professional world. Many walk-ons also use their college football experience as a springboard to careers in sports-related fields or as motivation to achieve success in other industries.
Notable Walk-Ons Who Achieved Success
Some walk-ons have gone on to achieve remarkable success, proving that hard work and dedication can pay off. Here are a few examples:
J.J. Watt
J.J. Watt began his college career as a walk-on at the University of Wisconsin. Although he started with no scholarship, he worked his way up and became a star defensive player. Watt eventually earned a scholarship and went on to have a successful career in the NFL, becoming one of the league’s most dominant defensive ends.
Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield walked on at Texas Tech University before transferring to the University of Oklahoma, where he became the starting quarterback. Mayfield won the Heisman Trophy and was the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. His journey from walk-on to NFL star is a testament to his determination and skill.
Clay Matthews
Clay Matthews joined the University of Southern California (USC) as a walk-on. Despite not receiving much attention initially, he worked hard and eventually became a key player on the team. Matthews went on to a successful NFL career with the Green Bay Packers, where he was a Pro Bowl linebacker and Super Bowl champion.
FAQs
Do walk-ons get the same benefits as scholarship players?
Walk-ons typically do not receive the same financial benefits as scholarship players, as they are responsible for covering their own tuition and expenses. However, they do receive the same access to team facilities, coaching, and training. Walk-ons participate in practices, meetings, and other team activities just like scholarship players.
Can a walk-on earn a scholarship?
Yes, many walk-ons have earned scholarships by proving their worth to the team. Scholarships may be awarded to walk-ons who demonstrate exceptional performance, leadership, and dedication on and off the field. Coaches often recognize the hard work and contributions of walk-ons and may reward them with a scholarship.
Do walk-ons travel with the team?
The decision to include walk-ons in travel rosters varies by team and situation. Walk-ons may not travel with the team for away games, especially if roster spots are limited. However, as they progress and earn more playing time, some walk-ons may be included in travel rosters.
Are walk-ons guaranteed a spot on the team each year?
Walk-ons are not guaranteed a spot on the team each year. They must continue to demonstrate their commitment and performance to maintain their position on the roster. Some programs re-evaluate walk-ons annually, while others may require players to participate in tryouts to secure their spot for the upcoming season.
Can a walk-on redshirt?
Yes, walk-ons can redshirt, meaning they can sit out a season to preserve a year of eligibility while still practicing with the team. Redshirting allows walk-ons to develop their skills and get used to the college football environment without losing a year of eligibility.
How can a high school athlete become a walk-on?
High school athletes interested in becoming walk-ons should reach out to college coaches, attend college football camps, and stay in contact with the coaching staff. If they are invited to try out or attend a preferred walk-on tryout, they should come prepared to demonstrate their skills and athleticism, showing the coaches why they deserve a spot on the team.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a walk-on in football is a player who joins a college team without an athletic scholarship, earning their spot through tryouts or by accepting a preferred walk-on invitation. While walk-ons face unique challenges, they have the opportunity to prove their dedication, earn playing time, and even secure scholarships. The journey of a walk-on requires resilience, passion, and a strong work ethic, and many walk-ons go on to make significant contributions to their teams. The experience and lessons learned as a walk-on can be invaluable, shaping a player’s future both on and off the field.
