Steve Kragthorpe's homecoming to the Texas A&M football program was cut short because of his wife's health, so the Aggies reached out to another familiar name for his replacement at wide receivers coach in Troy Walters, who earned all-state honors at A&M Consolidated.
Walters, who was offensive coordinator at Indiana State last season, played in the NFL for eight seasons. He was the 1999 Biletnikoff Award winner for Stanford. He played for Ross Rogers at Consol, but before playing for the Tigers he was a ball boy for the Aggies while his father, Trent, was an assistant coach for A&M from 1991-93.
The younger Walters interviewed Friday as things moved quickly after Kragthorpe decided he needed to be with his family.
"I am very fortunate and excited to be able to name Troy Walters as our new wide receivers coach," A&M head football coach Mike Sherman said. "I coached against Troy when he played for both Minnesota and Indianapolis. It was common knowledge in the NFL among coaches and personnel people that Troy was special. He was never the biggest or fastest, but he still found a way to contribute to a team's success as evident by his eight successful years of NFL service. His intelligence, character and work ethic were his foundation. Those are the same qualities he will bring to the Aggie football program as a coach and recruiter.
"It is well known in NFL circles that Indianapolis wide receivers ran the most disciplined and precise routes in all of football. In his interview, he definitely convinced me that he would bring those same qualities out in his receivers."
Walters, an excellent returner, also will coach punt returns.
Kragthorpe was hired to coach wide receivers Feb. 13. He was one of five additions by Sherman, who revamped his staff after a 10-15 record in two seasons.
Kragthorpe was the only hire with head coaching experience at the collegiate level. He had been a head coach for seven seasons, the last three at Louisville. He had previously been at A&M from 1997-2000, serving as offensive coordinator the last three of those seasons.
Kragthorpe went through spring drills upon his return with a unit that's been ranked the best in the Big 12 by several publications. His wife remained in Tulsa, Okla., where Kragthorpe had been head coach before going to Louisville.
"My family is dealing with some medical issues and they need me at home," Kragthorpe said. "The timing could not be helped and I hate to leave Coach Sherman and the guys at this time. My group of receivers worked extremely hard this spring and they were a lot of fun to work with."
A&M quarterback Jerrod Johnson benefited from his time with Kragthorpe.
"He had a perspective from the pros," Johnson said. "I learned a lot from him. He's a family man, and I respect his decision. I definitely think he made the right decision. I'm just glad I was able to be around him."
The 33-year-old Walters said he thinks he has plenty to offer.
"Some of my fondest memories are from my high school days in College Station and playing at Tigerland Stadium," Walters said. "The atmosphere at Kyle Field was phenomenal and I can't wait to get back to Aggieland. I believe we have a great group of receivers and I am ready to get to work."
A&M players report Aug. 8.