Former Rockhurst star Kevin Berg goes from walk-on to All-American at Northwest

During his senior season at Rockhurst High School, safety Kevin Berg proactively searched for college scholarship opportunities. An offer from Missouri, where his father played, topped his wish list.

But when he contacted programs, the responses were repetitive — he was too short, too skinny and too slow to play college football. The process concluded with only one offer, which came from Central Missouri, and he bypassed that in favor of a preferred walk-on spot at Northwest Missouri State.

“It was frustrating, for sure, but after I walked on, it was just a motivational tool that I used,” said Berg, who graduated Rockhurst in 2012. “I just wanted to show that I did have the talent to go out and make plays.”

Four years later, Berg was chosen Tuesday as a Division II All-American safety for Northwest Missouri, which will return to his hometown Saturday to play in the national championship game. The unbeaten Bearcats will face Shepherd at 3 p.m. at Sporting Park.

Berg’s story may not be entirely unique — former walk-on makes a big impact — but it’s noteworthy nonetheless. He was so discouraged during his recruiting process — or lack thereof, really — that he nearly quit football. On Saturday, he will line up as a starter for the nation’s top-ranked scoring defense.

“In the back of my mind, I thought about just going to Mizzou and just going to school and not playing football at all,” he said. “But I just couldn’t imagine putting the game away for the rest of my life like that. I at least wanted to go try out and see what happens.”

A conversation with Bearcats head coach Adam Dorrel provided a significant swing in the decision-making process. Dorrel guaranteed Berg that he would have the same chance to earn playing time as any athlete on scholarship.

Dorrel had a relatable story, too. He also walked on at Northwest Missouri State before becoming an All-American offensive lineman.

“That’s an easy sell for me because I’ve done it,” Dorrel said. “I’m going to give him an opportunity that everyone has, whether he’s a walk-on or not.

“He’s run with it. To be named an All-American after walking on, that’s pretty cool.”

There were a few steps in between the two, of course. Berg redshirted his first year on campus, before he broke in with the special teams unit as a redshirt freshman. Afterwards, he was granted the scholarship he coveted as a high school athlete. Two seasons later, he received a starting position.

As a junior, Berg has eight interceptions this season, which led the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. It was the fifth-most in the nation. He’s contributed 53 tackles. The All-America honors came via the Division II Conference Commissioners Association. Berg was a third-team selection Thursday on the Associated Press’ Little All-America Team, which selects the best players from Division II, III and the NAIA.

Did some schools miss out?

“Definitely,” he said. “That’s what I’m trying to do every day — prove them all wrong.”

This story was originally published December 18, 2015 at 3:54 PM with the headline "Former Rockhurst star Kevin Berg goes from walk-on to All-American at Northwest."