In the late Biggs D-1AA era, "preferred walk-ons" came in for Fall camp or just after Fall camp, as SloStang mentioned. They got Athletic Dept assistance with admissions/financial aid/class schedules and were treated like regular players in every way. Many earned scholarships and are names you'd recognize.

There were also 10-15 tryout players that enrolled as regular students in Fall (without any team association), joined workouts in Winter, and tried out for the duration of Spring Ball. Typically, 1-2 made the team (mostly special teams/backups, but at least 1 starter that I can think of). It was a tough road for these guys - they were strangers in a tight-knit position group, didn't know the drills, started behind on the scheme/calls, didn't get much real consideration from the coaches, and fell last in line for playing time to show their stuff.

Check this out: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKu532ngr2qU1EjGF7KjUOt_eEYVCFowt

20 videos already posted.

Damn with this many freshmen, the scout team is gonna have it easy!

Cal speculation that Gould & Toler are slotted for assistant positions. Hope Burl don't bounce.

Cal Poly has a wide-open passing offense?

Palma (Salinas) & Arroyo Grande are both hugely successful CA high school programs that run the Fly. Remarkable as neither program has tons of raw athletic talent, but due to scheme they punch above their weight and win CIF championships in tough NorCal & SoCal divisions.

Davis historically won because our super-complex schemes confounded athletically superior opponents. This is a different brand of complex scheme, but if we can mix aspects of the Fly to bring us an advantage, let's go.