We all know spring brings many things Mardi Gras, warmer weather, even probate season, but most importantly spring is a time to add to one of the oldest legacies and one of the oldest GSU traditions, the Tigers football tryouts.
The most recently known walk-on to produce for the G-MEN was standout running back Martez Carter, who went on to play professionally.
Carter was a 2015 walk-on due to eligibility issues.
“Coach Fobbs asked me to walk-on, so I took the opportunity,” Carter told ESPN reporters.
Former walk-on at GSU and current NFL wide receiver Chester Rogers has since created a schlorship for walk-on students.
The scholarship is worth $5,000 and awarded to one lucky walk-on player at GSU.
“I had to use my resources and platform to help others,” Rogers said on his Instagram channel.
The 2018 recipient of the Rogers scholarship was wide receiver Calief Samon.
Samon had 21 catches this year and was 14th in the SWAC rankings in recepitions. He also averaged 24 yards per game.
This is a one day event, where multiple students gather in a test of wills to earn a coveted spot on the Tiger football team.
Monroe native and GSU junior Jordan Davis plans to try-out for the 2019 season.
Davis made the roster as a walk-on for the 2018 season.
Unfortunately, he would eventually leave the team due to a family emergency.
However, he’s optimistic and hopeful that he is able to conquer a goal that few have conquered on the GSU campus.
Davis describes the one-day atmosphere as very welcoming and friendly.
“The coaches are out there pushing you to your max potential,” Davis told The Gramblinite.
“It’s an exhilarating experience, you start to wonder if you’re good enough to keep up with the standards that’s been set forth, since the days of Eddie G Robinson himself.”
The walk-on tryouts consist of numerous activities as coaches look to locate that unsung hero or the diamond in the rough.
“Depending on your personal skill set, and your position on the field, the walk-on tryout consists of many play by play drills,” Davis said. “Remain humble, be fearless and go out there and show your skills.”
Tigers football tryouts will be held Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 3 pm. at Eddie G. Robinson Stadium.
Students must hold at least a 2.5 grade point average and provide a copy of their insurance or medical card.
All individauls who plan to walk on and try out must have attended the interest meeting held Jan. 15 at Grambling Hall.
All of those participating in tryouts must register in advance. Participants will be required to meet with staff in the compliance, Sports, Medicine and Academic Enhancement offices in order to complete the necessary paperwork.
If students do not meet the requirements, they will be prohibited from trying out unless all paperwork has been completed and submitted.
Grambling State finished the 2018 season 6-5 overall while coming within a game of reaching the SWAC Championship. GSU also returns starting quarterback Geremy Hickbottom.
EDITOR'S NOTE: The original version of this article displayed a graphic from 2018 with the incorrect date for walk-on tryouts. The correct date and time for 2019 walk-on tryouts is Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 3 p.m.