KYLE CURTIS/ GATOR COLLECTIVE CORNER: From Rudy To Doering, The Walk-Ons Have Made A Big Difference

“I love football and I love being in on the plays, that’s what has gotten me to where I am today." -- JUSTIN PELIC

By KYLE CURTIS

GatorBaitMedia.com

College football over the last few decades has been scattered with inspiring walk-on stories in nearly every program. Whether it be Rudy who had a dream of playing for Notre Dame or Baker Mayfield who went on to win the Heisman trophy and become the #1 overall draft pick in the NFL draft.

One of the most prominent walk-ons in Florida history was Chris Doering, who spent his high school playing days in Gainesville at P.K. Yonge with dreams of putting on the orange and blue.

“I had it in my head my entire childhood that I was going to get a scholarship, play football for the Gators, and go on to play in the NFL,” said Doering.

Doering went on to have one of the most decorated careers as a Florida wideout and played over six years for four teams in the NFL. Doering’s story has inspired others, paving the way for walk-ons to find their places.

Justin Pelic is looking for his place on the field. (UAA Photo)

Among those players, is current Florida walk-on, Justin Pelic, a redshirt sophomore from Mount Pleasant, S.C. where he played linebacker at Wando High School. He could figure in the linebacker crew for 2022.

“I love football and I love being in on the plays, that’s what has gotten me to where I am today,” said Pelic.

Pelic has been working relentlessly with the rest of the Gators this offseason in hopes of being awarded playing time. He says Strength & Conditioning/Associate Head Coach/ Mark Hocke and the rest of the staff has been bringing relentless effort to practice in pursuit of getting everyone in game form.

Pelic hopes to join the likes of other well-known names in college football with walk-on tags. Most recently was Stetson Bennett after bringing a championship to Athens, who has cemented himself in the history books.

Louis Oliver is another massive name to come out of the Florida Gators football team as a walk-on. Oliver was a two-time first-team All-American during his time at Florida while also a second team All-Pro in the 1992 season of the NFL. During his NFL career as a defensive back, he accumulated 27 interceptions over 7 seasons with stints with both the Dolphins and the Bengals. Oliver was recently inducted into the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame.

With those kind walk-ons paving the way in Florida history, Pelic hopes to follow in the footsteps.