Name: Alexander Lidback
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 217 lbs.
High school: Alpharetta (GA) Alpharetta
Position: Linebacker
Class: Redshirt junior
Jersey number: #46
Last year: I did not rank Lidback. He was not on the team.
TTB Rating: N/A
Lidback has been hanging around Michigan's program for several years, but last year wasn't one of them. Which is unfortunate for him, because he missed out on the national championship run. No, he was on the team in 2021 and 2022 as a walk-on linebacker before missing 2023, and now he's back to compete at a linebacker position that lost a lot of pieces. Michigan lost both starters in Michael Barrett and Junior Colson to the NFL draft, as well as some transferring backups like Jeremiah Beasley, Semaj Bridgeman, and Joey Velazquez.
Still, Lidback is unlikely to play much of a role in 2024. He did not see game action in 2021 or 2022, and he's probably knocking off some rust from missing 2023. With the depth the Wolverines have at linebacker - even behind new starters Ernest Hausmann and Maryland transfer Jaishawn Barham - it's going to be tough for any walk-on to find playing time, and the top walk-on is probably Christian Boivin. We might see Lidback make an appearance on special teams or perhaps in a blowout, but he's most likely a scout team player.
Prediction: Backup linebacker
I wonder what kind of access these walk ons get. Full access to the training table? Does the trainers spend any time on them?
ReplyDeleteThe time a D1 athlete has to spend on the sport is 40 plus hours. I guess if you are chasing the dream it is worth it, but I think it would be more wise to chase the Ross School of Business.
I believe walk-ons only get access to training table meals during the season. In other words, Donovan Edwards can go to training table in February and get what he needs from Abigail O'Connor or whoever. But Alexander Lidback either can't eat there or (I believe) has to pay for the food he receives. But when the team is in season and Lidback is actively on the roster, he can be provided meals.
DeleteThey do have access to the training facilities, though, since there's really no additional cost to letting additional athletes pick things up and put them down.