Marysville’s Mike Powers (36) moves in on an opponent during a 2018 game. The MHS senior has signed to become a preferred walk-on as a linebacker for the University of West Virginia.
(Journal-Tribune photo by Chad Williamson)
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Marysville High School senior Mike Powers played football at a high level throughout his career with the Monarchs, earning Central District honors along the way.
Powers will take his gridiron prowess to the next level as he has decided where he will play collegiate football.
Powers has decided to become a preferred walk-on for the University of West Virginia in the Big 12.
A preferred walk-on is different from a player who simply walks on to a team.
A preferred walk-on is guaranteed a spot on a school’s 105-man roster from the first day of camp.
Other walk-ons must go through tryouts in an attempt to earn a spot on the team.
Powers, who stands about 6-2 and weigh 225 pounds, will play middle linebacker for the Mountaineers.
“Mike made his decision right before our spring break,” said Marysville High School head coach Brent Johnson.
Powers also had offers from Findlay University and St. Francis University in Pennsylvania.
“I prayed about this and I feel this is where God wants me to be,” said Powers. “I feel extremely blessed to be able to play at a Power 5 school.”
“Mike’s goal has always been to play in a Power 5 conference,” said Johnson. “He received this opportunity from West Virginia and took it.”
“I don’t have a full ride yet (as a walk-on), but this will give me even more drive to accomplish that,” said Powers.
The former Monarch standout will redshirt for the 2019 season, which he said is the situation he wanted.
“As a redshirt, I will be eligible to play in four games next season,” he said. “I hope I can find a spot on special teams.”
As a redshirt, Powers will be able to practice the entire season with the Mountaineers.
He feels he will eventually work his way up the team’s depth chart.
“I’m the only middle linebacker in this recruiting class,” said Powers. “They’ve got a lot of juniors and seniors at that spot and I feel I can earn a full scholarship.”
Johnson said he feels Powers will do well on the NCAA Division I level.
“Mike will have to prove himself,” said the Monarch boss. “However, he has a good head for football and was a good leader in our program.”
Powers plans to study pre-med with the hopes of one day becoming an orthopedic surgeon.