This Walk-On Steps Up

A tight end at Bishop Amat and a walk-on at UCLA, improbable freshman Mark Verti has emerged as a fullback in goal-line situations and a member of the punting teams.

Verdi, who had no scholarship offers and was bypassed even by Division I-AA St. Mary’s and Portland State, had his first carry at any level against Northeast Louisiana.

“I came here, figuring to play on the scout team and hoping to impress the coaches enough to get a scholarship,” Verti said. “I never figured on this.”

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With senior Paul Guidry injured, freshman Jason Bell is getting extra time in practice at cornerback.