Honestly I think in some channels a little too much is made of the walk-on phenomenon...but (and there's always a but) I think the walk-on program at Nebraska is such a storied piece of the history that it can't be too overlooked as a key cog in the Husker machine....

Without question some top notch players from years past and even the decade of dominence worked their way up from a walk-on role by busting their butts. I think as important as these players that made their way into starting roles were those that probably never saw any playing time that had any importance in the outcome of a game.

The kids coming from outside the 'fold' saw these guys killing themselves (and probably being killed by the one's on a daily basis) and for what? For the opportunity to put that white helmet with the red block N on the side and run onto that field of dreams in Lincoln just a few times.

When cared for properly and fostered that kind of passion and commitment becomes contagious which is why those 4-5 star recruits that did come from outside Nebrasksa have remainded so closely binded to the program.

Obviously Callahan had walk-ons just like Pelini has walk-ons now but the attitude with which their looked upon by the head coach on down through the staff affects their standing within the group.

So with the return of Coach Osborne and the hiring of Coach Pelini that attitude and reverence for the "walk-on" has returned and hopefully in time the infectious attitude those seldom heard from warrriors bring to the team will help build that passion back to the level it was not that long ago...

I did have the opportunity to talk with Tom Osborne on one occasion and this is one of the questions I asked of him. What is the strength in Nebraska's walk-on program? Tom said every once in a while a talented player will emerge, one that we over looked and make a big impact for us. But for the most part, these walk-on players bring a lot of Nebraska heart and soul to the recruits we bring in from out of state. Their work ethic is hard and they give 110% every practice. That effort and work ethic is transfered to the recruited players. Tom said the walk-ons (for the most part) do more behind the scenes than than actually on the field.

It also ties a small state community to Husker football. This is one of the most important factors of the walk-on program IMO. Any kid growing up in and around Lincoln knows they can have a shot, make a dream come true, to one day put on the scarlet and cream and possible play for one of the powerhouses in college football.

Craig Bohl has taken NDSU from division 2 up to division 1aa, has the support of the community and last year we beat Minnesota at the Metrodome and we had such a following that it felt like a home game.

The walk-on program has a knack for working in the mid-west when applied properly. I am not so sure it is beneficial to schools where a wealth of high school talent is readily available.

My two cents on the walk-ons

NDHusker

Since I went to high school with Brandon Rigoni, I would have to say he is my favorite walkon.  He is a hard worker and always played with a lot of heart.  He overcame being around 5' 6" by giving 110% all the time.