Today's edition of the countdown brings us two walk-on players. Walk-ons are the life blood of college football and while these two might not contribute on the field this year, their work in practice will help the team immensely.
Zack Heiniger - Jr. (RS)
Hometown: Fishers, IN (Hamilton Southeastern HS)
Linebacker
5'11", 200 pounds
2011 Projection: reserve at linebacker, possible special teams contributor.
Heiniger might not play this year, but his help in practice is key for this team. On a team chock full of young, talented linebackers, practice players are always needed to push the guys ahead of them. Who knows, Heiniger might be able to steal a spot on special teams and contribute. His claim to fame so far as a Boilermaker is a fumble recovery in last year's spring game.
He was a teammate in high school of Chris Carlino and former Boiler Chris Summers. He might not see any time this year, but I expect him to be one of the hardest working players in practice this year.
Robert Harris - So. (RS)
Hometown: Columbia, TN (Columbia Central HS)
Kicker
6', 205 pounds
2011: Projection: Reserve at kicker
If Harris sees playing time this year, something has gone horribly wrong (no offense to Robert). The backup to Carson Wiggs, Harris probably won't see anytime this year. After Wiggs graduate, he will be in the mix to take over as the new kicker.
This concludes my contribution to this countdown as T-Mill will be back to take over the job tomorrow.