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“Built Different” - Former walk-on Ali’s commitment to the grind leads him to 2022 captaincy

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Yusuf Ali was still a walk-on when he knew he had "made it."

It was late in the fourth quarter in the Alamodome, with MT driving down the field against UTSA, trailing 37-29 with under two minutes to go. Back in 2020, where the entire coaching staff had gaiters around their neck on the sidelines.

Ali didn't notice that, of course. He had just taken a bubble screen 21 yards up the field, dragging five Roadrunners with him as teammates Jimmy Marshall, Jarrin Pierce and Marquel Tinsley blocked up field for him to give him the final push he needed to get inside the 10 and give the Blue Raiders a shot.