Today's featured player is one that has persevered through the program. It is my hope that he sees some time on the field this year in at least one game, because he has earned it.
Walter Williams - Sr.
Hometown: Columbus, OH (St. Charles Prep)
Cornerback
5'10" 201 pounds
2010 Projection: Reserve at Cornerback/Special Teams
I couldn't even find another picture on this kid.
This will be Williams' fourth season in the program, and because of redshirt rules he could return next year. He is a Civil Engineering Major, so he may choose to graduate and walk on senior day against Indiana. If he plays at all it will likely be very late in the game against Western Illinois. For all the players competing in the secondary this walk-on is not one of them. He has yet to see the field in any of his first three seasons on campus.
Something keeps him coming back though. He keeps putting himself through practice because he gets something out of it. These guys are the heart of the program because they prepare the better players for games. Williams was a wrestler and track athlete in high school, but after earning All-District and All-Conference honors in football as a senior he chose to walk on at Purdue.
There isn't a whole lot else out there about him. This is a kid that will likely never see the field, but he is here for an education first.
Boilermakings note:
Video: Hope and concern -- Purdue - Big Ten Blog - ESPN
Adam Rittenberg looks at reasons for hope and concern for Purdue in 2010.