One of the many things I really like about Coach Fritz is his attention to detail, one of which is the recruiting of “walk-ons.” While scholarships are limited to 85, the NCAA also places limits on the number of total players (including walk-ons). Currently, the NCAA limits the number of players on the roster to 105 until the start of school or the first game, whichever occurs first. After that, there is no limit. This is how Nebraska, as an example, frequently has 140+ players on the roster during the season. For Tulane, we were at that 105 limit until Keon Howard signed on. I can only assume that an injured player has been temporarily taken off of the official roster to remain at the 105 limit; that’s legal. Regardless, since Brian Newman was awarded a scholarship, that means we have 25 walk-ons available for the next three weeks or so. After that, we could add more.
Some might recall that early last week Coach Fritz used the number 110 regarding our roster size. This suggests to me that we may have another five walk-ons expected. And, best I can tell, the vast majority of these kids were named to various all-conference, all-region, all-city, and even all-state teams in high school. Reviewing their hudl highlights, most look pretty good, if not of BCS quality, at least good enough make contributions on “Scout teams.” They are important bodies to a successful team.
Generally “walk-ons” are tough to come by at Tulane due to the cost of the school. In most years we’ve had 15 or fewer even after school starts. Is Coach Fritz and his staff helping potential walk-ons find scholarships? I’d guess so but have no evidence. Are we scouring the high schools for such kids? Again, it looks like it. We’re getting kids tweeting about their intent to walk on at Tulane several months before school. That takes planning and individual attention from our staff to make that happen. Retaining these walk-ons also requires effort and encouragement from Coach Fritz and the staff. It's important work and we seem to be doing it.
Roll Wave!!!
Some might recall that early last week Coach Fritz used the number 110 regarding our roster size. This suggests to me that we may have another five walk-ons expected. And, best I can tell, the vast majority of these kids were named to various all-conference, all-region, all-city, and even all-state teams in high school. Reviewing their hudl highlights, most look pretty good, if not of BCS quality, at least good enough make contributions on “Scout teams.” They are important bodies to a successful team.
Generally “walk-ons” are tough to come by at Tulane due to the cost of the school. In most years we’ve had 15 or fewer even after school starts. Is Coach Fritz and his staff helping potential walk-ons find scholarships? I’d guess so but have no evidence. Are we scouring the high schools for such kids? Again, it looks like it. We’re getting kids tweeting about their intent to walk on at Tulane several months before school. That takes planning and individual attention from our staff to make that happen. Retaining these walk-ons also requires effort and encouragement from Coach Fritz and the staff. It's important work and we seem to be doing it.
Roll Wave!!!