By Ben Malcolmson
USCripsit
Former walk-ons are rewarded for their play and are granted full-rides.
In what’s become an annual tradition of Fall Camp, a couple of walk-ons were given some life-altering news Tuesday.
This year, punter Greg Woidneck and wide receiver Brad Walker were granted full scholarships, now putting a resounding mark on their college careers.
“They earned it,” Coach Pete Carroll said. “They’ve worked hard and proven how much they deserve this type of honor.”
Walker, a fourth-year senior, has played a significant role on special teams and is regarded as the most accountable receiver on the squad. He has played in all but one game over the last two seasons.
“When I first got here, I didn’t know if it was realistic,” said Walker, from Tustin. “I feel really good about it now, it’s like a monkey off my back.”
Assistant quarterbacks coach Yogi Roth, who worked with the wide receivers the last two seasons, said Walker blossomed into a scholarship player in his time at USC.
“When you’re a walk-on, your reps are limited so you've got to make your mark in the time you have,” Roth said. “You’ve got to study more, know the answers, do the little things. That’s the guy Brad’s become.”
Woidneck, a redshirt junior, had 48 punts for an average of 38.3 yards in 2006, with a Pac-10-leading 16 of his kicks landing inside the 20. Originally from Brea, Woidneck was a walk-on transfer last season from Mt. San Antonio Junior College and, before that, Arizona State, and filled in nicely for departed All-American Tom Malone in 2006.
“It’s nice to know that you work real hard your whole life and then you get this,” Woidneck said as Carroll hugged him to congratulate him. “It feels great.”
When a walk-on earns a scholarship, it’s one of the most special honors on the team. Roth, who walked on at Pittsburgh as a wide receiver and eventually earned a scholarship, can relate to the feeling Woidneck and Walker are experiencing.
“It’s the day everyone strives for,” Roth said. “It’s like a shining star to these guys.
“There’s nothing like it.”
• Ben Malcolmson is the Director of Online Media for USCRipsIt.com. You can contact him at Ben@USCRipsIt.com.
