Former walk-ons Adam Goodman and Cooper Stephenson receive scholarships on Thursday
By Ben Malcolmson
USCRipsIt
PeteCarroll.com
Two Trojans received some extra special news today.
Fullback Adam Goodman and long snapper Cooper Stephenson were granted full scholarships, Coach Pete Carroll announced during Thursday’s team meeting.
“These two have proven their value to this team through their work ethic and dedication,” Carroll said. “They are both very deserving of this honor.”
Goodman, a 6-2, 235-pound fullback from Huntington Beach, transferred to USC from Saddleback Community College before the 2007 season and has worked his way up the depth chart. He currently backs up starter Stanley Havili.
The redshirt junior is also a newlywed, having married his high school sweetheart in February 2007.
“A married man could always use some extra money,” Carroll joked when presenting Goodman with his scholarship during Thursday’s team meeting.
Stephenson is a 6-3, 215-pound converted tight end who has matured into USC’s presumptive long snapper for the fall. The redshirt sophomore from Torrey Pines High in San Diego is in line to replace four-year starter Will Collins on all snapping duties.
“We’re nothing without our long snapper,” Carroll told the team before presenting Stephenson with his scholarship.
One of the highest honors on the Trojans, a walk-on receiving a scholarship has become a regular tradition at USC. In the fall, punter Greg Woidneck and wideout Brad Walker were given full-rides, while linebacker Clay Matthews Jr. and quarterback Michael McDonald are two other recent examples of this crowning achievement.
“Our walk-ons play a huge role on this team, and to be able to recognize some of them every year is really special for us,” Carroll said.
• Ben Malcolmson is the Director of Online Media for USCRipsIt/PeteCarroll.com. You can contact him at Ben@PeteCarroll.com.
