Alabama football walk-on Chris Herren Jr. has never played football

Former college basketball player Chris Herren Jr. has been added to Alabama’s 2021 roster as a walk-on wide receiver. After two seasons at Boston College and a half year at San Diego, the 6-foot-3 former guard has chosen to give up basketball to pursue football. The catch? Herren Jr. has never played football in his life.

“I actually have never played football,” Herren Jr. told the Unqualified Sports Talk podcast, per the Newport Daily News. “When I first started thinking about it, it kind of felt like a crazy idea and it is a crazy idea. But I was just kind of like, I’ve got these last two years (of eligibility) left to play a sport and like, this is what I really want to do. So why would I just give it up because just I think it’s too crazy an idea. I plan on playing wide receiver.”

Looking back at his basketball history

Herren Jr. averaged 4.2 points per game as a freshman at Boston College, starting eight of his 31 appearances. His playing time was cut in half as a sophomore, leading him to enter the transfer portal and commit to San Diego. He played just four games with the Toreros before leaving the team personal reasons during the COVID-19 interrupted season.

He is the son of former NBA player and McDonald’s All-American Chris Herren. The elder Herren played college basketball at Boston College and Fresno State before his career with the Nuggets and Celtics. He is now a best-selling author and motivational speaker.

Starting his football career

As the season approaches, Herren Jr. is working with the team at his new position. He is one of 18 players listed at wide receiver on Alabama’s roster. He will wear No. 22 this season.

“We’re in camp right now so we don’t have much time off,” Herren Jr. told the Newport Daily News over text message. “I honestly don’t get back to my dorm until around (11:15 p.m.) every day.”

Alabama football has two other basketball players on the roster in Ga’Quincy McKinstry and Terrion Arnold. The freshman defensive backs both plan to join Alabama’s basketball team following the football season.

The Crimson Tide continues to prepare for its season opener against Miami on Sept. 4 in Atlanta. Alabama will play its home opener the following week against Mercer. The early tune up against an FCS school could be the best chance for some walk-ons, including Herren Jr., to see the field.