"Walk-on invitation at Alabama makes Pennsylvania fullback's dream come true (report)"

[WALL-E]

Walk-on invitation at Alabama makes Pennsylvania fullback's dream come true (report)

By Andrew Gribble | agribble@al.com
Published June 11, 2013, 09:26:26 AM

Tyler Gironda joins the Crimson Tide in July as a walk-on fullback. Read more...

[SUPERCOACH]

It probably was his 10 tackles for losses that enticed IUP to recruit him as a five-technique defensive tackle.

However, one lazy day things were about to take a sharp turn south, literally, when Central Cambria librarian and former English teacher Jeanene Criste thought Gironda had a little bit too much time on his hands in study hall.

"She said 'Why don't you do something productive with your time. What's your dream school?'" Tyler recalled. "I told her and she said 'Why don't you apply?' So I filled out the application and sent it in, not thinking I was going to get anything back."

Two months later, Gironda, who grew up a Penn State fan but became interested in Alabama at the prompting of friend Cody Kupchella a few years ago, received an acceptance letter.

"Then I thought, 'Well, if I'm going to go there, I might as well play football. So I sent them my tape," Tyler said.

Read this outstanding article here:

Click here for link

We may have our own "Rudy" if this kid sticks with it.

[ricky023]

Sounds like he might be a good tackler too. I know he seems to like fullback but CNS and process usually figure out where a player can best help himself and the team. RTR!

[pmull]

Thanks SC. I saw the article and skipped over it until you recommended.

Every team needs kids like this. Remember Rob Ezell the walk on from Athens High School that did the Saban impersonation. He never played anything but scout team but the players and coaches loved him.

[2Stater]

Thanks SC. I saw the article and skipped over it until you recommended.

Every team needs kids like this. Remember Rob Ezell the walk on from Athens High School that did the Saban impersonation. He never played anything but scout team but the players and coaches loved him.

Found this. Click here for link

Rob Ezell, an Athens High graduate and offensive graduate assistant at Colorado State, played at Alabama from 2007-10.

I guess we'll see him this year. I thought he might have had a good career in stand-up comedy. His Saban impression was great!

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ne_Y_vXk6js" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ne_Y_vXk6js</a>

[SUPERCOACH]

That never gets old.  He nailed it.

I guess CJM gave him a job.  I wonder if he hired him as a CNS proxy. 

[Jamos]

I'm glad there is still a place in college footbal for stories like this one. Bama had a walk on that graduated this year from Gordo, Ala, Ben Howell, and I was one of his biggest fans. When he did get to play, he played like the National Championship was depending on his success that day. He also practiced that way.

I hope this young man develops into the player that he has dreamed about becoming.  

[2Stater]

I'm glad there is still a place in college footbal for stories like this one. Bama had a walk on that graduated this year from Gordo, Ala, Ben Howell, and I was one of his biggest fans. When he did get to play, he played like the National Championship was depending on his success that day. He also practiced that way.

I hope this young man develops into the player that he has dreamed about becoming.  

And you could tell that everyone on the team liked Ben. 

[cbbama99]

I'm glad there is still a place in college footbal for stories like this one. Bama had a walk on that graduated this year from Gordo, Ala, Ben Howell, and I was one of his biggest fans. When he did get to play, he played like the National Championship was depending on his success that day. He also practiced that way.

I hope this young man develops into the player that he has dreamed about becoming.  

And you could tell that everyone on the team liked Ben. 

Always good to see a boy from Gordo do well. My mom's alma mater. 

[Old Tider]

Bama's always had a strange link with Pennsylvania. Several great players from there were on our Rose Bowl teams in the 1920s and I also remember a guy named Joe.

[ricky023]

A guy named JOE. My gosh, we will never forget that family member. RTR!

[Catch Prothro]

Great Story!

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