Husker Walk-On Program Becomes a Movie

6 comments so far July 20, 2009 by Darren K. Carlson

Last week, Brandon correctly pointed out that ESPN's recent visit to the Husker football program was really a love letter to the program, highlighting the good things about NU, particularly with an eye to Husker history. One element of the NU program that I think many people would have liked to see highlighted was the great NU walk-on program. Thankfully, there is a solution for this lack of promotion and discussion. A movie has been made about the program, appropriately titled - “Walk Ons: Huskers’ Edge”. Like many, I'm thrilled that the walk-on tradition is getting its due, and really hope people get out and see this movie.

Summer Cinema, Really?
Look, I know you have choices for how you spend your free time. And yes, I know that the multi-plex gets jammed packed with summer blockbusters during the month of July. But, I really think this is worth watching. Not only will it help satisfy some of your Husker cravings during the summer months, it will also give you a new appreciation for a decades long practice at NU.

I sincerely hope this film accurately captures the voice of current or former walk on players, and highlights what they go through. Like so many Nebraskans, I had friends who walked on at NU. Some contributed. Others did not. All of them sacrificed something to get the shot to put on the Scarlet and Cream. It's "Rudy" every day for some kids a NU. Frankly, that is a story worth telling and worth seeing.

The Hidden Advantage
Based on the advance description of the film, I fully expect some of it to center on the trials and tribulations, the ebbs and flows of the Husker walk on program. But, I also think two other big elements are worth considering.

At BRN, we love walk-on players, especially ones that do well. We have talked about it extensively before. And, it's not just because of the emotional aspect of the game that I just outlined. We love them because they are "found money". The title of the film is exactly right. The walk on program is the Huskers' edge. In recruiting, scholarships are the ultimate currency. When a team can get a quality player who is able to contribute without spending any of that currency, it is a significant advantage. And, in the modern age of recruiting when schools like Texas and USC fill their classes at a breathtaking pace, the Huskers can use every advantage they can get.

Finally, the walk on program provides an emotional or work-ethic advantage to the Huskers. Walk-on players just have to want it more. They have to work harder. And, if directed correctly, that ethic rubs off on the rest of the team. Handled correctly, walk-ons make Nebraska tougher. When that part of the program is healthy, the team is better. When walk-on effort is mismanaged, the team suffers.

I can't or won't tell you how to spend your money. But, if you are interested in really understanding the culture of Husker football, the walk-on program is a great place to start. And, this movie appears to be a great opportunity to learn more about it. And, hey, it gets us one day closer to real football.

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