Michigan Football: Walk-Ons Key to Wolverines' Resurgence

Most college football players begin their career at a hastily arranged high-school press conference. They invite the local media, recruiting services, like Scout and Rivals and sometimes ESPN.

The audience is often held in suspense, as baseball caps from potential schools are positioned in plain sight. Before long, the prized recruit makes his choice, and a potential star is born.

Some college football players begin their career without the fanfare and without a scholarship.

They’re called walk-ons, and a few of them play for the Michigan Wolverines.

Jordan Kovacs and Tony Anderson are the familiar names, but starting September 3, several walk-ons will be featured on the Michigan two-deep.

Some have already earned a scholarship, while others will contribute for the love of the game.

Some have been overlooked by recruiters, while others will benefit from a Michigan education.

There is no doubt walk-ons will help shape the 2011 season.  There’s a half-dozen on defense alone, and head coach Brady Hoke has already noticed.

Not much needs to be said about Kovacs, the junior safety who leads the returnees with 190 tackles.  No introduction is needed for Tony Anderson, who looks to fill in at cornerback.

The surprise of the group has been Nathan Brink. His emergence as a solid defensive end may have earned him a spot in the starting lineup. That could necessitate Ryan Van Bergen’s move back to tackle and Will Campbell playing back-up.

“He’s got a passion for the game,” Hoke recently told the media. “He’s tough minded. If you’re going to play up front defensively, you better have that first and foremost.”

Defensive tackle Chris Eddins and linebacker Desmond Morgan are also part of the conversation, while Will Heininger and Floyd Simmons would like to make an impression.

On offense, John McColgan will be the starting fullback, and Eric Gunderson is slated to be a back-up tackle. Tom Pomerico is competing for the long snapper job and Seth Broekheizen will be a reserve placekicker.

So it’s obvious—walk-ons will contribute in 2011, and frankly, that’s nothing new to Michigan.  The legendary Bo Schembechler  was particularly fond of them. Once a walk-on joined the team, there would always be a place for him, providing he did the required work.