Blissfield's Esterline will be UM walk-on

Seeds for another improbable University of Michigan football success story in the area have been planted.

But unlike Jordan Kovacs, the Clay graduate who stubbornly and successfully pursued his goal of playing for the Wolverines, Blissfield's Dylan Esterline came to the realization last year he'd have to readjust that same childhood dream.

And then UM blind-sided Esterline in November, offering him an opportunity to join the program as a preferred walk-on. Esterline, a productive 6-foot-6 tight end, will report to camp in August.

"I never contacted them because I really didn't think I had much of a chance to play there," he said.

Esterline chose UM over a full-ride scholarship from Division II Hillsdale and preferred walk-on proposals from the three Michigan directional schools out of the Mid-American Conference - Central, Eastern, and Western.

A 3.7 student with a score of 24 on his ACT, Esterline was foremost attracted to UM because of its reputable academic programs. But he also thinks he can get on the field, and he might be on to something there. Only four tight ends reside on UM's roster - the youngest being a redshirt sophomore - and the incoming class of scholarship recruits includes none at the position.

Esterline led Blissfield (8-3 overall) last year in catches (23), receiving yards (420), and receiving touchdowns (four). He was twice named first team Lenawee County Athletic Association.

"That was a big selling point, knowing I wouldn't have to fight over the position with a scholarship guy in my class," Esterline said.

UM, according to Esterline, will add "nine or 10" preferred walk-ons to the program. Unlike Kovacs, who went through a tryout to make the team, Esterline's spot is cemented.

Under coach Rich Rodriguez, UM has used several walk-ons in important roles over the past two years, including Kovacs, linebacker Kevin Leach, and fullback Mark Moundros. Rodriguez, who himself was a walk-on for a year at West Virginia, often says he enjoys winning too much to not play the best guy available regardless of his scholarship situation. The coach has also demonstrated a willingness to put deserving walk-ons on scholarship if one becomes available.

Per NCAA rules, Rodriguez is not allowed to make public comments regarding incoming walk-ons because no formal contract has been signed.

"I'm going to set goals when I get there of what I want to accomplish," said Esterline, who is batting .394 this spring as the Royals' first baseman. "Hopefully I can eventually get on scholarship and contribute."

Esterline says that along with earning significant playing time, earning free tuition is his primarily focus at UM. For now, he is working toward developing his body in hopes of gaining 10 pounds before fall camp. Right now, he weighs about 235 - roughly 20 more pounds than he played at this past football season.

"I give the kid a bunch of credit because he could have gone where he would have gotten money," Blissfield coach Ron Estes said. "I think he has great courage to give it a shot at Michigan."

Contact Ryan Autullo at:

rautullo@theblade.com

or 419-724-6160.