Jared Davis

Frankenmuth's Jared Davis holds the ball as he runs it towards Frankenmuth's end zone during the first quarter of the Frankenmuth vs. Millington football game held at Frankenmuth High School on Friday, Sept. 23, 2016. (Josie Norris | The Saginaw News)

(Josie Norris | MLive.com File)

Jared Davis will follow a path created by Nick Volk, with one exception.

His name doesn't rhyme with Hulk.

Davis, the Frankenmuth quarterback and defensive back, signed Wednesday to become a preferred walk-on for the University of Michigan.

Volk, another former Frankenmuth quarterback, is entering his senior season as a Michigan walk-on after moving to fullback.

"Ever since high school, he's always been a role model to me," Davis said. "He's taught me the ropes. As far as Michigan contacts, he's helped me out a lot. He's kind of guided me through this, paving the way for another Frankenmuth kid."

Volk, a 5-foot-11, 250-pound fullback, is a favorite of Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, even though Volk has yet to play.

"Coach Harbaugh calls him Nick Hulk, because he's huge and it rhymes I guess," Davis said. "He's got a reputation as a hard-working, determined kid. They're going to think I'm the same way, so it's my job to be hard-working and determined."

Davis played quarterback and defensive back for the Eagles, leading Frankenmuth to the Division 5 semifinals. He completed 62 of 110 passes for 1,225 yards and 13 touchdowns, adding 966 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground.

He is expected to play defensive back for the Wolverines. At Frankenmuth, the 5-foot-11, 190-pound senior had 70 tackles, four interceptions and nine pass deflections.

He had an offer from Concordia-Ann Arbor, with preferred walk-on offers from Saginaw Valley State University and Northwood University. He waited for an official offer from SVSU, but it never came, so he explored other options.

"I loved SVSU and that would have been my choice, but late in the game I got in contact with Michigan," Davis said. "It was wishful thinking. I got a great call last night. Preferred walk-on. Roster spot."

It didn't take long for Davis to accept the offer.

"I've been a Michigan fan since I've been born," Davis said. "I've been watching and going to Michigan games all of my life. It was a lot of fun to do this for my family, who are all big Michigan fans.

"It's great thinking that I'll no longer be watching the games with them. They'll be the ones watching me run through the tunnel."

Davis runs the 40-yard dash in 4.7 seconds.

"Likely, I'll be at defensive back," Davis said. "But wherever I have to go, wherever they put me, to make an impact, I'll do that."