UL's Walk On Program

[Lexhead]

Does anyone have any informamtion about Coach Hud's thoughts on walk-ons? Does he have a walk-on friendly program? Some programs (like Auburn) welcome and encourage walk-ons. Other programs (LSUA&M@BR, for instance) do not. There are arguments to be made for either view. I am interested to learn whether the Cajuns will be encouraging walk-ons, and what kind of experience those kids can expect when they arrive. Any information would be appreciated.

[Boomer]

I understand that he likes the new place but that there are too many LSU type of wall hangings for comfort and that the place needs a lot more UL stuff---LOL---Cajun T had a list of this year's walk-ons but not sure if they were try-out or the preferred W/O types!!!!! Too many to name throughout the years who have made a splash from humble beginnings!!!!!

[zephyr]

I would certainly imagine that a program at our level can always take in and evaluate prospective walk on players to see if they fit. I imagine that they add something to our program in way of leadership and hard work. We did recently just award two scholarships to players who were current walk ons so I imagine that he does like them or is willing to reward them if they have something to add to the program.

[Lexhead]

I asked this question shortly after Coach Hud arrived, and no one seemed to know the answer. NHow that we have a (spectacular) year under our belt, I am hoping someone out there in te Cajun Nation has a better feel for this:

What is Coach Hud's philosophy on walk on players?

Some coaches value their walk ons. Other coaches don't want to be botered with them. Still others don't dissuade walk ons but treat them like cannon fodder once they arrive. I remember a s a kid rooting for Nebraska because I heard that Coach Osborne treated his walk ons well, and that his program had led to several good players developing over the years.

In another thread, I saw the term "preferred walk on" thrown around. I wonder if there is a distinction in the way preferred walk ons and plain ol' vanilla walk ons are handled in the UL program.

Does anyone have a handle on walk ons in the program now? How were the walk ons that were already in the program handled when Hud came in? Has Hud encouraged walk ons? Do these kids have a chance to compete? Have any been awarded scholarships based on performance?

[Boomer]

ask the Bourque kid from n vermilion-------played a bunch on special teams....... Just wanted a chance and brought along some speed, toughness, and determination!!!!!!!! True freshman......

[cjr3888]

"Preferred walk on's" are asked to walk on by the coaching staff because there isn't a scholarship available at the time. These players have the inside track to a scholarship the next year, but have to earn it. Two walk-on's, maybe three, earned scholarships this past year by their weekly performance in practice. Seems like Hud will take any player who has the right attitude and works hard, and if they earn it they will be rewarded with a scholarship.

[Hudsheen#Fired]

Coach Hud welcomes walk ons, last year he actually held try-outs for them
I actually know a couple who made it on

[CajunT]

Does anyone have any informamtion about Coach Hud's thoughts on walk-ons? Does he have a walk-on friendly program? Some programs (like Auburn) welcome and encourage walk-ons. Other programs (LSUA&M@BR, for instance) do not. There are arguments to be made for either view. I am interested to learn whether the Cajuns will be encouraging walk-ons, and what kind of experience those kids can expect when they arrive. Any information would be appreciated.

They will be talking to kids about walk-on opportunities after signing day. This is what they did last year and they are not going to work on those kids until after they take care of the 2012 Class. They have been open to walk-ons, usually at positions that they consider thin. Last season it was OL and DB's.

[Just1More]

Does a full paid academic scholarship for an athlete count against a football programs' athletic scholarships? In other words, if a kid has a full paid academic ride, can he come in as a walk-on and not count against our athletic scholarships? Does TOPS not seriously reduce the "need" for an athletic scholarship for Louisiana kids? In other words... is there less risk now for a student that tries to walk-on at his favorite program... may or may not get a scholarship... but isn't that concerned about it due to TOPS?

[Duggie35]

Coach Hud welcomes walk ons, last year he actually held try-outs for them
I actually know a couple who made it on

I could be wrong, but Ithink you can have a total of 105 players on the team at any given time. That includes scholorship and non-scholorship players. Therfore, depending on how many non-scholorship players will be returning, that will determine how many walk-on players we can take.