Sometimes college football coaches surprise walk-on athletes with scholarships when they least expect it. And the reactions are pretty great.
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Here are eight of the best surprise scholarship presentations from around the country so far this season.
Charlie Shuman, Penn State
At 6-8, Charlie Shuman's frame isn't the only big thing about this outside linebacker. His heart is just as big. The fifth-year senior received the Public Service Award last season after starting the Big Helping Little foundation to help young children battling rare diseases in his hometown. And the family of one little girl who he started the foundation to help was in on Shuman's surprise scholarship presentation.
In 2014, @BigCShu71 started a foundation to help kids like Maiya. Today, Mayia helped us share a special message with Charlie! ⬇️
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) August 25, 2018
Congrats, Shu!#WeAre pic.twitter.com/pmTBoJkTxk
Jarmarquis Durst, Texas
Jarmarquis Durst has played in two games for the Longhorns since transferring from Tarleton State. The defensive back, who is one of 11 children, was overwhelmed with emotion when he realized his offseason work paid off and he'd be going on scholarship.
"So many people wrote me off. Just to be here I'm so thankful. Y'all make me love being here every day". Congratulations on your scholarship, @DurstJarmarquis. #ThisIsTexas #HookEm pic.twitter.com/oI1aL6cRXp
— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) August 23, 2018
Bailey Schoenfelder, Minnesota
Gophers linebacker Bailey Schoenfelder received Academic All-Big Ten honors in 2017. But, that's not all that's been going good for the redshirt sophomore who saw action in nine games last season. Coach P.J. Fleck enlisted the help of some special messengers to make Schoenfelder's scholarship presentation extra unique.
The #B1G's latest scholarship video, like the others before it, is terrific and emotional.
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) August 10, 2018
Congrats to @GopherFootball LB @schoenyb!
📹: @Coach_Fleck pic.twitter.com/Padsmrh8vZ
Brian Newman, Tulane
Senior wide receiver Brian Newman suffered a season-ending injury in the fall of last season. But by spring football, Newman was healthy and showing coaches he deserved his spot on the team. The two-time member of Tulane's 3.0 Club (recognizing students with a 3.0 GPA or higher) and nominee for the Allstate Sugar Bowl Goodworks Team was awarded his scholarship at the team's annual "Let's Talk Football" event.
Hey @B_Newman17 how do you feel about not having to pay for school anymore?
— Tulane Football (@GreenWaveFB) July 26, 2018
We couldn’t be happier to award you a scholarship!#WellDeserved #RollWave 🌊 #NolaBuilt pic.twitter.com/szgWHR3mmv
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Grant Morgan, D'Vone McClure and Connor Limpert, Arkansas
How do you surprise two linebackers and kicker all at the same time? Challenge them to a unorthodox play in front of the team, and give them full scholarships when they're successful. Then watch the team go wild with excitement.
Three guys who are always ready for everything: @grantmorgan15, @connorlimpert & D’Vone McClure.
— Razorback Football (@RazorbackFB) August 27, 2018
That’s why they’re now on scholarship. 😁#WPS #HammerDown pic.twitter.com/zngRZd76Gs
Calvin Swenson, Minnesota
Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck decided there was no better time to present a surprise scholarship than right after winning the season opener at home. Redshirt sophomore defensive back Calvin Swenson was rewarded the scholarship, and an array of compliments, after recording one tackle in the opener against New Mexico State.
Nothing like getting a scholarship after a game one victory.
— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) August 31, 2018
Congrats, Calvin Swenson! #SkiUMah pic.twitter.com/tIbiGLo5pN
Floyd Allen, Ole Miss
Floyd Allen is a senior wide receiver who joined the Rebels last season after transferring from El Camino College. Allen played in six games in 2017, all on special teams. The receiver obviously made waves during summer camp, becoming the newest Ole Miss scholarship player.
"It's about being unselfish. It's about being a family."
— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) August 22, 2018
For his unselfishness and hard work, @LegendaryGrind EARNED his scholarship. #HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/6yrLH72kg1
Gerald Hearns, Florida Atlantic
Redshirt senior running back Gerald Hearns was named a spring top walk-on and is a member of Florida Atlantic offense's most improved list. The Florida A&M transfer proved he can be a play-maker on the team, leading to this surprise scholarship presentation.
📝 Earned not given. Today one of the most humble and hardest workers on our team earned a scholarship.
— FAU Football (@FAU_Football) August 20, 2018
We had a little fun in how we gave it to him 👌
Congrats Gerald 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/aznAhZyxwe
