Offutt the Wall: Indiana Hoosiers Look Set to Add Walk-On Star Walter Offutt

Two years ago, Walter Offutt packed his bags and set off for Columbus, Ohio to play for coach Thad Matta at Ohio State.

The 6'3" guard out of Indianapolis Warren Central committed to Ohio State in the fall of 2005 over his favorite Indiana Hoosiers due to the team's shaky coaching situation.

Offutt, who was ranked in the top 100 players in the nation according to Rivals.com even though he missed his whole senior season due to a torn ACL, was overshadowed in his class by B.J. Mullins and William Buford, both top-20 recruits and can't miss players.

Also in front of him on the court were Jon Diebler, David Lighty, and some guy named Evan Turner (ever heard of him?...didn't think so).

After a freshman season where he only averaged 4.9 minutes in 21 games, and after he played just two games in the first half of his sophomore season, Offutt decided it was time for a change.

He transferred to Wright State, located in Dayton, Ohio, for this past semester, but at the end of the season, head coach Brad Brownell left for Clemson and the ACC.

Once again, Offutt felt as though a change in scenery was necessary.

Now, it seems like the native Hoosier is ready to make his new home in Bloomington.

He will join the Indiana Hoosiers men's basketball team as a walk-on if his financial aid package is good enough, according to The Hoosier Scoop.

Offutt would have to sit out at least a semester due to transfer regulations, but there is a chance he could sit out the full season and come back in 2011-2012 and have two full seasons remaining.

Either way, he adds a new dimension to the Hoosiers team as a good-shooting point guard who would be able to play well with the current group of players we have now.

Also, any time the Hoosiers can add a player of scholarship talent as a walk-on, it is a huge coup.

Offutt hasn't joined the Hoosiers just yet, but things are finally starting to look up for head coach Tom Crean.