Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez, a former walk-on himself, has made it a priority to bring in as many talented preferred walk-ons as possible.
Thus far, I have been able to identify 11 seniors who have decided to walk-on at Michigan. the jewel of the group is probably Long Island, New York offensive guard prospect Tom Lindley.
Lindley was one of the top linemen in New York this year. He was a Newsday First Team All-Long Island selection and this is what Newsday had to say about him:
“First Team All-Long Island: TOM LINDLEY FLOYD, OL, 6-3, 300, Sr. A second-team All-Long Island choice last year, Lindley was a three-year standout lineman for a team that won 31 straight before a loss to Lindenhurst in the playoffs this year. The 2008 Zellner Award winner as Suffolk’s top lineman, Lindley, a guard, “turned our spread offense into a power offense because of his pulling ability,” according to coach Paul Longo. Lindley also played defense in short-yardage situations.”
Here is what Newsday had to say after Signing Day:
“Floyd’s Tom Lindley, the recipient of the Bob Zellner Award as Suffolk’s top offensive lineman, will attend Michigan as a “preferred walk-on.” According to Floyd coach Paul Longo, Lindley received some financial aid for academics and is guaranteed a spot on the football team, where he will redshirt as a freshman. If he does well, he will be considered for a full athletic scholarship the next year.”
Here is what the New York Sports Writers Association had to say about his deciding to walk-on at Michigan:
“Though he would have merited a ride somewhere else, lineman Tom Lindley of William Floyd will attend Michigan as a preferred walk-on next fall and try to earn a scholarship down the road.”
Here is an extract from my underclass database on Lindley. Remember, the database is only update through the spring of a prospect’s junior year:
Tom Lindley OL 6′2 300 5.55 Mastic Beach William Floyd New York
One of the top junior linemen in New York……..Sophomore starter at OG…………..Moved up to varsity during his freshman season…………..22 bench reps, 20 vertical, 5.28 shuttle…………As a sophomore he was the state silver medalist in shot put………Took an unofficial visit to Michigan for the Penn State game on September 22, 2007……..Camped in 2007 at Penn State and Connecticut……Member of the National Honor Society………………December 2007 MBD: 69679. NYS top 5 for 2009 by 12/21/07 20:30 ET 1. Andre Civil DE Sheepshead bay 2. Curtis Dukes RB/LB Indian River 3. Troy Walker WR Long Island City 4. Devin Worthington LB Aquinas 5. Tom Lindley OL William Floyd…………….Key Players: Sr. QB Joe Sidaras (6-3, 205), Sr. HB/SS Brock Jackolski (5-10, 185), Jr. OG/DT Tom Lindley (6-3, 305)