The Walk-On: Inside Northwestern's Rise From Cellar Dweller To Big Ten Champ

Book excerpt: This inspiring true story takes you inside a major college football program from a unique point of view: the walk-on. For decades, Northwestern University finished in the bottom of the Big Ten Conference. But new head coach Gary Barnett brought a winning attitude to Evanston and engineered one of the greatest turnarounds in college sports history, leading Northwestern to two Big Ten championships. Matt Stewart's experience as a safety mirrored the team. As a freshman, he was fifth string. But with hard work, determination and self-belief, Matt rose up the depth chart and his efforts were rewarded in a remarkable way. Take a journey inside the Northwestern locker room as Matt reveals how he transformed his mind and body into becoming a successful Division I football player. From a gambling scandal to the death of a star player to the Rose Bowl, "The Walk-On" is a riveting account of how a small school captured the nation's attention and brought hope to underdogs everywhere.