Hey everyone, I've been playing football throughout high school and I'm considering trying to be a walk-on at the college I'll attend. Has anyone gone through this process? How does it work and what should I expect? Thanks!
Sure! Walking on in college football can be a very rewarding challenge, so here's some advice from a few different perspectives I've been privy to.
Firstly, start by contacting the college football coach or athletic department. Understand that it‘s more difficult for them to decide if they haven't seen you play firsthand, so try to provide as much information about your football history as possible. This can include your stats, positions, past teams, and any notable accomplishments. High school highlight reel, if made properly, is also a very effective way to get a coach's attention.
Next, prepare yourself for tryouts. Remember that walking on means you aren't awarded a scholarship spot, so you'll likely be facing an uphill battle against those who were. Being physically fit and having solid fundamentals can give you an edge. Training in the off-season and remaining in good academic standing will also increase your chances of making the roster.
If you successfully make the team, be prepared to serve mostly in a practice capacity. Walk-ons often play a vital role in preparing the scholarship players for games, so being committed to helping the team in any way possible is essential. Networking with the team also helps because you never know when a spot might open up.
Lastly, keep in mind that walking on will entail a significant time commitment, so balancing your academics and sport is incredibly important. Make sure to inform your professors about your involvement in the team at the start of each semester to seek understanding for any schedule conflicts.
Many individuals have used the walk-on route as a stepping stone to earn an athletic scholarship eventually. Regardless of how it turns out, most agree that the experience was worth the effort and helped them grow in various aspects.
Good luck with your journey!
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