DETROIT — In football, even scholarship players have problems earning playing time.It’s even
more difficult for walk-ons, even preferred walk-ons.Derek Batt, a Bowling Green High School graduate, is
getting the opportunity for playing time at the University of Toledo this fall.‘‘Derek had a really good
off-season and really did a nice job in the spring,’’ UT head coach Matt Campbell said. ‘‘He has really
progressed in his two and a half years in our program.‘‘I’m just really proud of him,’’ Campbell continued.
‘‘He’s a tough, physical football player. He’s one of those guys who has truly bought into our
program.’’Batt, 5-foot-11, 210 pounds, is a redshirt sophomore who was a preferred walk-on at UT when Tim
Beckman was still the head coach.At BGHS, Batt was a third-team All-Ohio selection at linebacker as a senior
and earned first-team all-district, all-league and all-county honors.Campbell said Batt will be a factor on
all four special teams units — kickoff and kickoff return and punt and punt return.‘‘He’s a great special
teams player,’’ Campbell said. ‘‘I think that will be what his niche will be at least early in the
season.‘‘He’s really prided himself on becoming that guy, who is a special teams guru.’’In addition to his
special teams play, Batt is also a factor at linebacker.‘‘The thing about Derek is that he can move from
outside to inside. He can play a little bit of both which really helps his cause,’’ Campbell said. — CARLE