Expert: Thom Brooks - 2/28/2008

Question
My son is currently a preferred walk-on at a Division 1 college playing football.  He recently learned he did not earn a scholarship for next year (his sophomore year).  What percentage of walk-ons earn scholarships their junior or senior year?  What advice can you give on this for his future?

Answer
Diane, hello!

It's an honor that your son has an opportunity to play college football, but maybe he can consider pursuing his education at another school, where he can also play ball.  I do not know the national percentages, but you can go to NCAA.org and contact them about that statistic, but it was likely that particular Coach's decision.  So, even if you see what the percentages are, you still have gone to the root of the problem.  Your son may get recognition from that same Coach, or he may be ignored for his college career.  Only the Coach and your son know if both sides of the story.  Your son is gifted or he would not have been designated as a preferred walk on.  He knows if he did not get a scholarship, perhaps due to the quality of players that are ahead of him.  Will he get his turn or will he get shut out?  If that school doesn't want to offer, our nation has plenty of colleges that would love his contribution.  It's a matter of sorting out what all of the Pros and Cons are.  

I certainly understand the frustration, but the cream will rise to the top.  He will get his chance!  Please let me know how his story works out!!

Take care,

Thom Brooks