After a really solid High School career at Sam Barlow High School Ian Van der Meer is heading to UCLA as a PWO- Preferred Walk On. He has had interest from a number of smaller schools but the big tight end has decided to take his show on the road and try his chances as a walk on. Anyone can walk on but that is ill advised usually as college teams are loaded with scholarship players. The PWO is the option that is needed to have a shot. At this point Ian has communicated with Head Coach Jim Mora who has encouraged him to come and get into the mix.
“Coach Mora emailed me first & then we talked via text. We messaged back and forth on Saturday too. Being a preferred walk-on means the world to me. Even though I’m guaranteed a roster spot I know I’ll be putting in a lot of hard work to see the field on game day. I’m looking forward to learning from Coach Mora & getting my education from a great university! Go Bruins!”
He had a similar package worked out with Oregon but the Du ks are not confirming any spots until May 1. Ian decided this was his best path. UCLA has been a favorable place for NW talent to go recently with Owa Odhigizuwa from David Douglas now a New York Giant and Bellevue High’s Myles Jack about to be a first round draft pick and a high pick at that.
We wish Ian the best in this effort. At 6’6″ and 250 lbs he has a lot to offer. Now remember he can come down and play at any level lower then D1 and not lose any eligibility. So his options are wide open- but we sure hope he makes it and applaud him for chasing his dream to the highest level he can!
Here is Ian’s Film from 2015.
