A glance at the Big Ten receptions list reveals a surprise. The clear leader so far this year is not Minnesota’s Eric Decker or Illinois’ Arrelious Benn, but Northwestern’s own Zeke Markshausen. With 67 receptions on the season, Markshausen is not only first in the Big Ten, but also second in the country. Unlike the other receivers who have had similar success this year, Markshausen is a walk-on.
Other football teams need walk-ons to help during practice and to fill out the roster, but they rarely make an impact in games. At Northwestern, however, walk-ons are often seen making big plays on the field. Just this year, the ‘Cats have gotten production every week from walk-ons like senior Markshausen and sophomore running back Jacob Schmidt. What is it that makes Northwestern’s walk-ons so successful?
Head coach Pat Fitzgerald points to the past success of the walk-on program as a reason for the quality of new walk-ons.
“There is a history of success. The best example is Barry Gardner. He walked on here, became first-team All-Big Ten, and then played in the NFL for nine years. Guys see this is a walk-on program where they can have success,” he said.
Gardner had a spectacular career for the ‘Cats as a linebacker after joining the team as a walk-on offensive lineman. In the mid-1990s, Gardner and Fitzgerald headed a linebacking corps that led the team to the Rose Bowl. Gardner led the country in tackles his senior season and finished with the second highest total in team history on his way to getting drafted in the second round of the NFL draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. His career certainly looks good to hopeful walk-ons.
Fitzgerald deserves some of the credit as well for the way he treats walk-ons. While other coaches might not give their walk-ons a chance, Fitzgerald has a different approach.
“He doesn’t discriminate based on whether you’re a scholarship player or a walk-on. He gives everyone the same opportunity,” Markshausen said.
Markshausen is a perfect example of how patience can pay off. Before this season, he had only one reception for six yards, but he made the most of his opportunity after Northwestern’s top three receivers departed after last season.
Doug Bartels, an sophomore offensive lineman, established himself as a key member of the team last season as a redshirt freshman. After walking on in 2007, Bartels enjoyed a successful 2008 season in which he started all eight Big Ten games and the Alamo Bowl at right guard. Now, he’s slated to be a four-year starter for the ‘Cats.
Schmidt and sophomore cornerback Ricky Weina are also getting started early. Weina broke out against Indiana with a pivotal punt block in the 3rd quarter and has collected seven tackles in his past two games, including five solo tackles last week against Penn State. Schmidt has the second most carries among Northwestern’s running backs and has also been a factor in the passing game. Schmidt says the atmosphere on the team is conducive to walk-ons because they are treated as part of the team after trying out.
“I think the biggest part is that we’re a part of the family,” he said. “Other schools might bring in 100 players, but we’re pretty selective. We bring in five or six guys a year. [Walk-ons] all have to be able to play.”
Markshausen graduates next year, but with young players like Bartels, Schmidt, and Weina, the walk-on program should continue its history of success.