Michael Walz '16 Recruiting Profile

Dear Coaches,

Please allow me to introduce myself, my name is Michael Walz. I have been playing tackle football since the 4th grade. As a 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grader I started on both sides of the ball and played nearly every snap of every game. Although I did not start during my freshman year of high school, I played much of the games. By the time my sophomore year began I was once again starting and playing every defensive snap. I started and played virtually every defensive, offensive, and special team snap my junior and senior year. I have played as an inside and outside linebacker, all positions on the defensive and offensive lines, full back, and running back. I have always preferred to play line backer and full back, but have happily moved to other positions when the coach felt that the team would be better off. For example, the team had many good linebackers my sophomore year but were short on lineman, since I was considered the toughest, the fastest off the ball, and the hardest hitting I was asked if I would be willing to move to the line.

I must say that it is uncomfortable writing this letter since I don't particularly like to brag myself up. However, everyone tells me that I must when writing a letter to a coach. I am nearly 6' tall and 210lbs, I have put roughly 25 pounds on since May and have less than 12% body fat. I have always been a very good motivator for other members of the team (many coaches and my dad say I am a natural leader), especially when we are on the losing side of a game or when teammates slack off in practice. One thing my dad would never tolerate, as long as I can remember, is bad sportsmanship. Therefore, I ensure that my teammates and I congratulate the other team if we should lose and be respectful when we win, even if we thought they played dirty or that the refs were on their payroll. I also don't curse or “talk vulgar smack” when on the field and I don't let my teammates do it either. I have always had an uncanny ability to read the field and react appropriately. This is one of the things that has set me apart from other kids with similar athletic ability. I am also one of the most coachable players that you will ever meet. I understand that football is a team sport and therefore each member must obey his orders or the team will fail and we all lose.

I have been very blessed with coaches ever since the 5th grade. My current head coach, Coach Carl Tesmer, has won over 300 games in his illustrious career. He is a man of great integrity and so I asked him if he would be willing to speak with you, if you wish. My current defensive coordinator is Coach Randy Ahrens, he has been with Coach Tesmer for nearly 25 years and again, is a man of great integrity. The line coach is Coach Elley, he is the man in charge of our weight training program and has experience as a college football athlete

I remember when I first started playing I asked my dad what positions he thought I should play, he asked me what I wanted to play and I told him line backer and running back. He suggested, that since every other kid wants to play running back, that I instead play fullback so that I could get more playing time. I took his advice and my student athlete career has really paid off. This year, my senior year, has taught me to be a leader. I have fullfilled my goal of making it on the first team All-State in Nebraska C-2 and would like to continue my accomplishments as an athlete on the next level of play. So if you give me a chance, I wont let you down. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Michael A. Walz