Preferred Walk-on at Central Arkansas

The best way to gain insight into something like this is to speak with players and/or parents of players who have come into a program with the same understanding.

Don't know any at first? Ask the coach to give you the names of some current or recent players who were in the same boat.

Whether this or any other issue that has to do with an important representation on the part of a coach: trust, but verify, by speaking with ones who have already walked down the path.

My son was offered a preferred walk on spot at one college (which he did not take) and it was exactly as you described. A spot on the 35 man roster but no guarantee on the travel squad. Typically programs do not guarantee spots on the travel team, they are earned. After the first year you have to earn your way on the 35 man.

Bottom line, all programs need numbers. Is it an opportunity for kids to try and make a spot on a college team? Of course. In this case, they are basically saying you will be a practice squad player and MAYBE have a shot eventually. Players get injured or some even become ineligible due to grades. Transfers are very common as well. Ask your kid if he would like to be apart of a college program but not play much. If so, give it a shot. He can always say he played at UCA if he wants to become a coach. It's true.