College Football Faces Potential Elimination of Walk-On Players
- Clemson coach Dabo Swinney expressed his discontent over proposed roster changes that could eliminate walk-on players from college football.
- Swinney emphasizes the significant loss this would mean for the sport, particularly given his own history as a former walk-on at Alabama.
- He noted that these changes could lead to a united front among coaches, as many current walk-ons may be forced out of their teams.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The future of walk-on players in college football is under threat, prompting significant concern among coaches, including Clemson's Dabo Swinney. A former walk-on himself, Swinney emphasized the potential loss to the sport, stating, "This is the most united coaches have been in the history of football." North Carolina coach Mack Brown echoed these sentiments, revealing that he may have to cut walk-ons, including the son of a trustee and children of former players, if the situation remains unchanged. In response to the looming changes, Clemson has explored various solutions, such as implementing a legacy clause to allow current walk-ons to finish their education with the team. Swinney also suggested the possibility of forming club football teams that would practice alongside scholarship players but compete against other club teams. The rich history of walk-ons at Clemson, highlighted by notable players like Phillip Price and Hunter Renfrow, underscores the importance of these athletes to the program. The proposed increase in scholarship limits from 85 to 105 could lead to a significant reshuffling within college football, potentially granting over 1,300 new scholarships at the Power 4 level. However, this change may also push many walk-ons to lower-tier programs to continue their playing careers. Swinney pointed out the practical implications, noting that many teams travel with only 80 players, which could jeopardize the participation of teams in bowl games without walk-ons.