Walk Ons at Texas

[Lord Vader]

Looking at the roster, we don't seem to be actually using a walkon program to its full advantage. Trey Holtz may be a nice kid and Lou Holtz grandson, but he's also a guy who will never take a snap at this university taking up time and space in the program. We should be using these spots for kids who will take full advantage of them.

 

[HookemDTX]

I agree, but I'd wager everything I own that Trey Holtz will be at UT as long as he wants.

 

[DFW Hornsfan]

Suggestions on how it should be done? Not questioning you, but have you heard of other programs with good systems

 

[TheContractor]

under Mack our walk-on program were a few kids of coaches(of course Mack) like Shanahan, Holtz, i forgot the place holders name.

Our walk-on program can definitely improve.

 

[goast55]

Is there a limit to the number of walk-on's a program has? I don't have a problem with them paying for their own education and being glorified tackling dummies if that is what they want. Occasionally, a walk-on will surpass that and be a contributor and get a scholarship (when numbers work).

 

[Lord Vader]

Suggestions on how it should be done? Not questioning you, but have you heard of other programs with good systems

Basically, you evaluate the three/two stars out there every year (Which you should be doing anyway). You find some kids who are under the radar for whatever reason, and make them an offer. They can be a preferred walk on, meaning their spot is assured, or a walk on and have to keep earning it.

A kid like Ronnie Larue (http://rivals.yahoo.com/footballrecruiting/football/recruiting/player-Ronnie-Larue-137902) is the perfect example of what we should be doing. He's a baller, kid has several FCS offers, but naturally he wants more and is hungry to prove it. You find two or three kids like this and offer them the opportunity to come to Texas and prove they belong.

Larue does this (he won't here, not a UT fan) at the FBS level and I think he'll more than earn a scholarship. Kids like him should have those slots.

 

[Donald Boyles]

Looking at the roster, we don't seem to be actually using a walkon program to its full advantage. Trey Holtz may be a nice kid and Lou Holtz grandson, but he's also a guy who will never take a snap at this university taking up time and space in the program. We should be using these spots for kids who will take full advantage of them.

Nate Boyer says hello..

 

[Topstarr]

walk on are needed....see Rudy

 

[goast55]

He would still have to pay for at-least his first semester ($5000 for tuition, then another $6000 for housing, plus books and other expenses). That's a large investment for some people and its for just a chance that may or may not pan out.

Basically, you evaluate the three/two stars out there every year (Which you should be doing anyway). You find some kids who are under the radar for whatever reason, and make them an offer. They can be a preferred walk on, meaning their spot is assured, or a walk on and have to keep earning it.
A kid like Ronnie Larue (http://rivals.yahoo.com/footballrecruiting/football/recruiting/player-Ronnie-Larue-137902) is the perfect example of what we should be doing. He's a baller, kid has several FCS offers, but naturally he wants more and is hungry to prove it. You find two or three kids like this and offer them the opportunity to come to Texas and prove they belong.

Larue does this (he won't here, not a UT fan) at the FBS level and I think he'll more than earn a scholarship. Kids like him should have those slots.

 

[athenslawyer]

Under Mack, walk-ons have been kids used on the scout team who have absolutely no chance of ever contributing on the field. The exceptions have been place kickers, punters, and a few players like Nate Boyer, Ahmard (?) Hall, and Aaron Smith.

 

[borocat]

Perfect example is Travis Labhart. Came from a small school the had a terrible team until recently, Whitesboro. Walked on and became JFF favorite target toward the end of the season. Also caught 3 TD's in the bowl game for aggy. I know you won't like the aggy reference but that kid deserves every bit of pub he can get. He's worked hard for every opportunity and made the best of it.

 

[Conch Horn]

Looking at the roster, we don't seem to be actually using a walkon program to its full advantage. Trey Holtz may be a nice kid and Lou Holtz grandson, but he's also a guy who will never take a snap at this university taking up time and space in the program. We should be using these spots for kids who will take full advantage of them.

I'm not sure whose "..time and space.." is being taken up by these kids that want to be a part of the Texas Football program. No one is forcing these guys to walk on and if they can't contribute on the scout teams, special teams, or possibly earn a spot on the depth chart, they're not invited to stick around. They bust their asses in the weight room and practice sessions just like the scholarship players...and the biggest reward for most of them will be wearing a Longhorn jersey on the sidelines at a home game and possibly getting to hear their name announced on Senior Day. Some, like Michael Ungar, are able to carve out a spot on the roster and excel to nearly "folk hero" status.

In every football program, there have been countless, nameless walk-on players that have put forth more effort and sacrificed more sweat and time than the vast numbers of highly-touted scholarship athletes that never contributed a positive snap...but they simply weren't talented enough to merit playing time in games.

Rather than question the heart and effort of these non-scholarship players, I prefer to thank them profusely for the contributions they make to the program. They have my utmost admiration and respect.

 

[Lord Vader]

Really?

We have a "walk on" offensive linemen who is 235 lbs. Sure, lets suit him up and have him run scout drills against Caleb Bluiett. Who the hell is going to win that battle? Does that make Caleb better? No, absolutely it does not. A walk on program should be for kids who have the skills to compete, who are willing to pay their way for the chance to make it, and who can contribute.

I saw someone mention Nate Boyer above. Thats a great example there. He is the kind of guy you want in the program, he has a great work ethic, and he is a contributor. Perfect use of a walk on spot. Im happy one was available for him and not given to someone who would have contributed nothing because daddy has some money or mommy works for the athletic program.

How many Baker Mayfields, Nate Boyers, or Travis Labharts have we missed on?

I would like to walk on at Texas. Does not mean I should be there.

 

[Lord Vader]

Rather than question the heart and effort of these non-scholarship players, I prefer to thank them profusely for the contributions they make to the program. They have my utmost admiration and respect.

I was looking at my original post here

Looking at the roster, we don't seem to be actually using a walkon program to its full advantage. Trey Holtz may be a nice kid and Lou Holtz grandson, but he's also a guy who will never take a snap at this university taking up time and space in the program. We should be using these spots for kids who will take full advantage of them.

Didnt see questions about heart and effort. Its about talent level and effective use of the program. Practice/Weight room reps are limited and important.

 

[Conch Horn]

I was looking at my original post here


Didnt see questions about heart and effort. Its about talent level and effective use of the program. Practice/Weight room reps are limited and important.

You're right. I was saying that I didn't question their heart and effort, etc. It's been a long time since I played and my helmet may have come off a time or two during tackling drills, hence the poor composition.

When I was in the program, we were extremely grateful for anyone who had the desire to try to help out as a walk-on...and the line to sign up wasn't very long.

It would be sweet if there were several 6'3"+, 275ish lb. guys with great footwork and blocking skills to give Caleb Bluiett a great battle every day in practice...but they would probably be on scholarship here or somewhere else.

I'm sincerely not questioning your assessment of the walk-on situation at Texas as you are obviously way more connected than I. I did consult a young friend of mine that was a walk-on here from '03 to '06 and he said that it was tough to find many guys nearing the same size, speed, and skill set that the scholarship players possessed that wanted to pursue a dream and try out. He did tell me that he and several of his fellow walk-ons that did stick around for the 2 trips to Pasadena were pulling some scholarship-caliber honeys, so it was worth the effort...

I'll tread lightly from here on out...

 

[Lord Vader]

LOL you dont have to tread lightly.

Im not "connected" at all (I don't think anyway) I just write and analyze. Granted, the walk on program is more important the smaller you go, but it's still an important part of the system if you choose to have one. This may very well be something that gets worked out as the program gets reinvented over the coming year.

Like I said (at least I thought) my issue with it is (the past few seasons) we didn't even try to find kids like Larue who were willing/able to take that shot. I hope going forward more Nate Boyers and Cade McCrary's get those chances.

 

[JimR]

The Title IX settlement a number of years ago limits the number of walkons UT can have.

The "walkon problem" is not an issue. Those guys have more heart and guts than we can comprehend. The idea that they are "taking up space" is just not so.

 

[Lord Vader]

Absolutely it is.

 

[JerrySandusky'sCellmate]

Lou Holtz' grandson went to Plant High School in Tampa. One of the great high school football programs in the country, but, he wasn't even good enough to start. We need walk ons but we could use some that actually played some high school ball.