Mark Snyder

Detroit Free Press

The Michigan football team will use its bye week to provide a unique opportunity for a fan with special needs.

U-M announced it will hold a "draft" press conference for Larry Prout Jr. of Howell, allowing him to join the team and he will be welcomed by coach Jim Harbaugh and a few players following their practice.

Prout, 15, was born with spina bifida, choacal extrophy, massive omphalocele, short gut syndrome and several other illnesses. He has had more than 90 surgeries and many extended hospital stays.

The program is through Team IMPACT, a Boston-based non-profit that tries to "improve the quality of life for children facing life-threatening and chronic illnesses through the power of team."

Michigan had another "player" join the team a few years ago as part of ESPN's My Wish series, when 18-year-old Stephen Loszewski, a cancer survivor, was honored in 2014.

Contact Mark Snyder at msnyder@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter at @mark__snyder.

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