Villanova football signed its scholarship class back in February, but that didn't stop the wheels from turning. Walk-on players are just as vital to the success of a college football program, and good coaching staffs are always looking to add to their scout teams, or perhaps to find a diamond in the rough (like Poppy Livers) who can come in and pay their own way.
Today, the program announced six additional fresh faces who will join the team in the preseason. All six are non-scholarship additions to the program who will provide depth at their position and serve a valuable role on the scout teams and in practice generally.
Let's welcome six more players to the #NovaFB freshman class. First up, please welcome Andrew Smith! #TapTheRock pic.twitter.com/ahDgCHmNDG
— Villanova Football (@NovaFootball) April 2, 2015
Next up #NovaNation, welcome Ben Evans to the Main Line! #TapTheRock #NovaFB #CAAFB pic.twitter.com/dcheH9KAqj
— Villanova Football (@NovaFootball) April 2, 2015
#NovaNation, welcome running back Corey Russo out of Rivervale, NJ to the #NovaFB family. #TapTheRock #CAAFB pic.twitter.com/YUD6bYd4ul
— Villanova Football (@NovaFootball) April 2, 2015
Time to welcome Gerard Smith to the #NovaNation! #TapTheRock #NovaFB #CAAFB pic.twitter.com/k5Br3Kar9r
— Villanova Football (@NovaFootball) April 2, 2015
Welcome to the #NovaNation, Jackson Bradley! #TapTheRock #NovaFB #CAAFB pic.twitter.com/ynZ2aSKVWJ
— Villanova Football (@NovaFootball) April 2, 2015
Last but not least, #NovaNation welcome from Connecticut... Ethan Ericson! #TapTheRock #NovaFB #CAAFB pic.twitter.com/6XVIOw3TbC
— Villanova Football (@NovaFootball) April 2, 2015
If they work hard for the Wildcats, they may be awarded with playing time like Fred O'Connor, but most walk-on players are never really given so much recognition. They play for the love of the game,and for a chance to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Some of these young men will get their "Rudy" moment, but others will just get the chance to say that yes, they were part of the football team at Villanova.
Welcome to 'Nova Nation!