ku football walk on tryouts

Mac Grediser

2 min read

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27-11-2024

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Ready to Rock Chalk? Your Guide to KU Football Walk-On Tryouts

The roar of the crowd, the thrill of the game, the Jayhawk spirit… For aspiring football players, the dream of playing for the Kansas Jayhawks is a powerful one. While scholarships are highly competitive, the path to the gridiron isn't closed off. Many successful players have started their KU football journey as walk-ons. But what does it take to earn a spot on the team? This guide breaks down the process of KU football walk-on tryouts.

Understanding the Walk-On Process:

Unlike a formal recruiting process, walk-on tryouts aren't advertised with specific dates and times. The opportunity often arises through proactive engagement with the coaching staff. It's less about a scheduled event and more about demonstrating your commitment and abilities.

Steps to Increase Your Chances:

1. Exceptional Athleticism: This is paramount. KU coaches are looking for players who demonstrate exceptional skill, speed, strength, and agility relevant to their position. Prepare to showcase your abilities thoroughly.

2. Film is Crucial: Compile a highlight reel showcasing your best plays from high school or college games, or even from recent training sessions. This allows the coaches to assess your skills and potential before even meeting you. High-quality filming is essential.

3. Reach Out to the Coaching Staff: Directly contacting the KU football coaching staff is a crucial step. Find the appropriate email addresses or contact information through the KU Athletics website. A polite and professional email introducing yourself, highlighting your athletic achievements, and expressing your strong interest in walking on is a great starting point. Include a link to your highlight reel.

4. Academic Eligibility: Ensure you meet the necessary academic requirements for admission to the University of Kansas and eligibility to participate in NCAA athletics.

5. Be Prepared for a Physical Evaluation: Be ready to undergo a thorough physical assessment to determine your fitness level and potential.

6. Showcase Your Character: Coaches value not just athletic ability but also character, work ethic, and teamwork. Your communication, both written and verbal, will be evaluated.

7. Persistence is Key: Don't be discouraged if you don't hear back immediately. The coaching staff receives many inquiries. A follow-up email after a reasonable time is acceptable, but avoid being overly persistent or demanding.

What to Expect at (Informal) Tryouts:

While there isn't a formal tryout, if you're invited to participate in drills or assessments, be prepared for a rigorous evaluation of your skills. This could include:

• Speed and Agility Tests: 40-yard dash, shuttle runs, cone drills.
• Strength and Conditioning Tests: Bench press, squat, power clean.
• Position-Specific Drills: These will depend on your desired position (e.g., quarterback drills, defensive line drills).
• Game Film Review: The coaching staff will likely review your game film in detail to assess your skills and decision-making.

Beyond the Tryout:

Even if you're offered a walk-on spot, it’s not a guarantee of playing time. Hard work, dedication, and consistent improvement are essential to earn a place on the team and contribute to the Jayhawks' success.

In Conclusion:

Becoming a walk-on for KU football requires dedication, exceptional athleticism, and proactive engagement. By following these steps and consistently demonstrating your commitment, you can significantly increase your chances of realizing your dream of playing for the Kansas Jayhawks. Rock Chalk!