*This story can also be found in the August 31 edition of the Arkansas State Football digital game day program*
Charles Willekes' foray into college football was not the most conventional route – one that eventually led to Arkansas State.
After graduating high school in 2017, the Rockford, Michigan, native took two gap years and worked as a snowmobile mechanic, where he showcased his strong work ethic over 14-hour shifts.
Willekes' sister and brother-in-law owned the business in Grand Rapids, which eventually began as a salvage yard before evolving into selling new parts.