It’s never an easy proposition to be a walk-on at any school, as much is asked, but little recognition goes your way compared to the scholarship players. When you get into the game, fans often question, ‘Who?’ and demand why the star players aren’t in.
But if you’re a walk-on who earns a scholarship, you’ve truly earned that honor, having had to work twice as hard for that level of recognition.
Michigan football has been known to be quite friendly to walk-ons, with several not only earning scholarships in recent years, but many becoming bona fide playmakers. A decade ago, it was safety Jordan Kovacs who burst onto the scene, but we’ve seen others, such as all three of the Glasgow brothers — each of whom went from being walk-ons to scholarship players to NFL draft picks. On Monday, the father of such a player announced that his son has earned a scholarship.
Isaiah has earned a scholarship from the University of Michigan! I can’t thank Jim Harbaugh enough for seeing and bringing out the best in my son! I am also thankful for coach Mike Hart for recognizing and maturing the runner in Isaiah. Dreams do come true!
— Sam Gash (@GashSamgash6952) January 9, 2023
That’s former NFL fullback standout Sam Gash speaking of Isaiah Gash, the running back who has often earned accolades from head coach Jim Harbaugh. Gash’s claim to fame in 2022 was his redemption via catching a pivotal fourth-down pass, setting up the game-winning field goal against Illinois after having dropped an equally pivotal pass earlier in the game.
He had 19 carries for 101 yards and two touchdowns in 2022.
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