Report: Kicker J.J. McGrath joins Michigan as preferred walk-on, could receive scholarship

By Kyle Meinke Michigan Football Reporter

Posted on Fri, Jan 18, 2013 : 5:55 p.m.

Brendan Gibbons has made several memorable kicks in his career, including this overtime winner against Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl after the 2011 season. When he graduates after next season, his scholarship could go to local product J.J. McGrath. Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

ANN ARBOR -- Michigan has added yet another recruit ... of sorts.

Kicker J.J. McGrath of Macomb Lutheran North has joined the Wolverines as a preferred walk-on. The Detroit Free Press reports McGrath could earn a scholarship when one becomes available for kickers, likely when senior Brendan Gibbons graduates after next season.

McGrath told the Free Press he might greyshirt, which means he would enroll in school in the fall but not join the team until a later date. But he says he's been told he'll walk-on at some point, and earn a scholarship when one frees up at kicker.

Junior Matt Wile is the only other scholarship kicker on the roster.

McGrath made 7-of-11 attempts last season, according to the Free Press, and has nailed three of the longest field goals in state history: 57, 54 and 52 yards.

Michigan's long this past season was 52 yards, hit once by Wile and Gibbons.