re: Butch Jones gives walk-on TE a scholarship for Christmas

quote:

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I dont care how original it is or it isnt.

That is a great moment in that kids life and I enjoyed watching it.

Way to go Coach Jones.

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This and I'd say the same about anyone at any school. It's hard as hell for a walk-on to earn a scholly. Alex Ellis is from Delaware and has been paying out of state tuition for an biomedical engineering degree. His diabetes kept him from being able to get a scholly at one of the service academies and so he decided to walk-on at UT.

He would've likely been our starting TE last year but got hurt in the pre-season. When Ellis got his chance this season he was clutch every time. This is definitely a scholarship well-earned and deserved.

And one of the bigger things about Ellis is that he emerged as one of those critical behind the scenes team leaders. His impact on the team this year has been well beyond playing time.