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Ex-Michigan kicker joined CMU just two days before Chippewas’ season opener (and played)
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Ryan Tice was thrown into the fire. There really was no other option for the former Michigan kicker, who decided to join Central Michigan’s football team at the last second.
At the end of last season, Tice opted to leave Ann Arbor and graduate transfer to another program to close out his eligibility. Initially, that program was Tennessee. But in mid-August, Tice was no longer a member of the Volunteers’ squad and was searching for a new home.
That’s when he called Central Michigan John Bonamego, according to Central Michigan Life. On Aug. 30, just two days before the Chippewas were scheduled to face off against Kentucky, Tice joined the team.
He also played in that season opener against the Wildcats, alternating on kickoffs throughout the game. Central Michigan fell 35-20 to Kentucky in Lexington.
Kickers obviously don’t have to learn the same schemes, formations and game plans as offensive and defensive players, but playing two days after joining the team is still pretty unique.
Tice didn’t see the field in 2017 but knocked through 10-of-10 extra point attempts for the Wolverines in 2016.
Tice has two years of eligibility remaining.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB