News Article: OL Justin Rhodes says he will walk on at Alabama

[Crimson Surfer]

Former Jess Lanier lineman says he will walk on at Alabama

Justin Rhodes was dumbfounded when few college football recruiters came calling during his senior season at Jess Lanier High School.

While not a behemoth for an offensive lineman, he's not small at 6-foot-2, 250-pounds. He had pedigree - his older brother, former Louisville standout Kerry Rhodes, is in the National Football League.

But when signing day rolled around there simply weren't any offers. At least none he liked. Tennessee and Vanderbilt asked him to attend junior college, then come on board later.

Rhodes said he plans to walk on at Alabama.

He was an OL mentioned as one to watch in the 2007 season by several sites. I can not find a profile for him on either Rivals.com or Scout.com. There are some articles from the Birmingham News about the Jess Lanier Tigers last season that say he was a top performer and team leader for them. Rhodes was listed by ScoutSouth.com as one of the 5A Players to Watch back in Sep. 07.

ScoutSouth.com: 5A Players to Watch

ScoutSouth.com hits the road on Friday nights covering high school games across the state. We asked Alabama high school coaches in each classification to submit the players they would vote in an All-State ballot for their classification. ScoutSouth.com presents all of their choices for class 5A.

 

[jangalang]

Depth = success...Maybe he'll wind up being the next Rashad Johnson.:BigA:

 

[CHATTBRIT]

As a walk on -- provided he is not an invited walkon or was previously recruited by Bama -- does that mean he will not count against the 85?

 

[TIDE-HSV]

I'd like to have a whole team made up of RJs. However, finding them is like drawing to an inside straight, even when they find you. A quality scout team never hurt, either...

 

[Tider@GW_Law]

I'm thinking that he could find a place on the D-Line 2 deep roster at the least in a few years. He seems to have the physicality of a D-lineman to me.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

Lyn, he'd never count, unless he receives a schollie down the road...

 

[Bama323]

Some people forget sometimes how much walk-ons can help a team. Most successful football programs have alot of good walk-ons that contribute, either in practice or on special teams. Sometimes, you even get a diamond in the rough that ends up being a star player.

 

[LCN]

Welcome to the Tide :BigA:

Some people forget sometimes how much walk-ons can help a team. Most successful football programs have alot of good walk-ons that contribute, either in practice or on special teams. Sometimes, you even get a diamond in the rough that ends up being a star player.

Major Ogilvie :cool2:

 

[BamaFan1961]

Last year we had a key player that was a walkon - Darren Mustin

 

[deliveryman35]

It will be interesting to see in what position our coaches will try to develop him. he certainly has a big enough frame and physique that he could probably play LB or maybe even TE.

 

[chris]

Welcome to the Tide :BigA:




Major Ogilvie :cool2:

HUH?!:conf2:

 

[BAMA504]

I'd like to have a whole team made up of RJs. However, finding them is like drawing to an inside straight, even when they find you. A quality scout team never hurt, either...

Earle you did it............... Now I have finally figured out what tubbs is doing..... He is building a scout team with his recruiting~!~:biggrin:
Nice job on uncovering the hidden answer and I bet you didn't even KNOW it now that's how good tubbs is~!~

 

[IMALOYAL1]

It's hard to have a good scout team without walkons and a limit of 85 on scholarship. Not that this guy couldn't earn a starting spot one day. We need this type attitude.

:BigA:

 

[bamaga]

It's hard to have a good scout team without walkons and a limit of 85 on scholarship. Not that this guy couldn't earn a starting spot one day. We need this type attitude.

:BigA:

all good teams have a strong walk on program. welcome aboard

 

[red55]

For years Nebraska has had success at getting fairly good players to pass on scholarships to small schools and walk-on at Nebraska. Many big schools have tried to emulate this, but few have been as successful. They not only have good practice teams but some always seem to work out and earn scholarships and playing time. LSU gets a handful of such players every year, but Nebraska gets dozens.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

He is building a scout team with his recruiting...

The only problem with that is how does a 5'10" smurf prepare you for the like of Julio Jones...?

 

[LCN]

HUH?!:conf2:

Yes . Major was a walk on .

 

[bamaga]

Yes . Major was a walk on .

deleted

 

[drjamesm]

Yes . Major was a walk on .

Not really,under todays rules he would most likely counted b/c he was recruited and offered a schollie. I believe his Dad told Bear to give his schollie to someone who couldn't afford to attend Bama b/c his family did not need any help, and paid their own way!

 

[Crimson Hawk]

If Justin wants to walk on at Bama, he has my heartfelt thanks, & unwavering support. It takes a special kind of player to be successful as a walk-on. Bama has had great success recently with them, & I hope Mr. Rhodes is one of those few. Roll Tide & welcome, Justin!!