Walk-on players are often overlooked when taking notice of a football team’s roster. Yet walk-ons have played a huge role in the history of Tennessee’s football program. The Vols have had many great walk-on players in their history, and some of the more recent ones, such as linebacker Nick Reveiz, cornerback Devaun Swafford, and linebacker Colton Jumper, have all made big contributions.
Rewarding walk-on players with scholarships is always a feel-good moment for players, coaches, and fans alike. It’s the culmination of years of hard work finally paying off. And the Vols got to experience that moment on Tuesday.
During a Circle of Life drill to start fall camp on Tuesday, redshirt sophomore tight end Eli Wolf was called out to face his brother, senior tight end Ethan Wolf, in the drill. But as they started, head coach Butch Jones blew the whistle and said he had an announcement.
Watch the video below to see Wolf’s and the team’s reaction to Jones’ announcement:
.@EliWolf16 scored a BIG WIN in today’s Circle of Life … ?? pic.twitter.com/k9sZWtvN26
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) August 15, 2017
Wolf joined the Vols as a walk-on tight end in 2015 to play with his older brother. Last season was the first time Eli got on the field, and he recorded his first career catch against Tennessee Tech. The younger Wolf figures to be in a slightly bigger role this season.
