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Walkon U

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By NIU1981

As the 2009 Huskie lineup continues to take shape during fall camp it occurred to me that a large number of former walkons could see moderate to substantial playing time this fall.  Check it out:

Offense

  • Willie Clark, Sophomore WR - Played in all 13 games as a redshirt freshman last year including a start in the Independence Bowl.  Won the Jawan Jackson award, which honors the walk-on who has the greatest impact on the team.  One of the top 3 projected WRs this upcoming season.
  • Jason Schepler, Sophomore TE - Played in 11 games last year as a true freshman at backup TE and Special Teams.  Projected starter for the upcoming season, beating out incumbent Reed Cunningham.
  • Chad Spann, Junior RB - Played in all 13 games last year and started in the Independence Bowl.  Second leading returner at running back with 429 yds and 8 TDs LY.
  • Joe Pawlak, Sophomore OL - Played in 11 games last season.  Projected starter at RG for this upcoming season if Skatrud is unable to play.
  • Connor Flahive, Junior FB - Played in 11 games last season, including a start in the Independence Bowl.  Filled in nicely when starter Kyle Skarb went down with an injury late in the season.
  • Mike Salerno, Senior K - Arguably the best kicker in the MAC.  On the preseason Lou Groza Award Watchlist.

Defense

  • Sean Progar, RS Freshman DE - Redshirted and named defensive work team player of the year.  Continually talked up as someone to receive significant playing time this year on the DL.
  • Mike Kritikos, Senior DE - Played in all 13 games last year.  Out right now with a leg injury suffered in the Spring, but could make an impact if he is able to make it back on the field.
  • Victor Jacques, RS Freshman MLB - Redshirted as a fullback last year, but moved to linebacker in the Spring.  As impressive as anybody on camp and looks to split a lot of time backing up Pat Schiller.
  • Rashaan Melvin, RS Freshman CB - Redshirted last year.  Could see playing time at 3rd or 4th DB.
  • Garrett Barnas, Junior SS - Originally committed to Syracuse until they pulled his offer.  The JC transfer was All-Everything at Harper College and looks to make an immediate impact in the secondary.

Eleven guys, that might be a record.  There's some tremendous talent in that group as some of those guys have all-MAC potential.  I guess it proves that recruiting never stops, scouting and evaluation are critical, and the players you pick up as walkons are as important as the scholarship guys. 

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