SEC Network documentary to focus on Texas A&M ’12th Man’ walk-on tradition
By Keith Farner
Published:
Among the most storied traditions in college football is the 12th man at Texas A&M, a concept introduced when coach Jackie Sherrill held open tryouts in 1983 in order to create a kickoff coverage team featuring all non-scholarship walk-ons.
They soon became a nationwide sensation as one of the top kickoff coverage units in college football, and continued to enjoy success over the next seven seasons, igniting a new tradition that continues today at Texas A&M with a “12th Man” walk-on player each season. That story is featured on the latest “SEC Storied” documentary as this one is called “No Experience Required,” and is set to air on the SEC Network at 9 ET tonight.
Among those interviewed for the film were 22 members of those 12th Man kickoff coverage teams of the 1980s, along with Sherrill, Gary Kubiak, Von Miller and Ray Childress.
The documentary was directed by Kenan K. Holley.
“The story of the 12th Man kickoff team is the tale of a group of individuals that drew together to exude toughness in the face of a challenge,” said Holley. “The experience of playing football in Texas doesn’t leave you. For me, having played high school football there, it informs so many of the principles I carry with me to this day. Getting the opportunity, with ESPN Films, to direct this documentary has been one of the thrills of my career.”
Here is a trailer of the film:
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
