WATCH: Oklahoma Coach Brent Venables Rewards Five Walk-Ons With Scholarships

Players who contributed on offense, defense and special teams were rewarded in a team ceremony on Monday.

It’s been called the greatest feeling a college coach can have.

It’s undoubtedly one of the greatest feelings a walk-on football player can experience.

Oklahoma coach Brent Venables on Monday revealed that he was putting five walk-ons on scholarship.

Kicker Zach Schmit, defensive back Pierce Hudgens, wide receiver Gavin Freeman, punter Josh Plaster and wide receiver Major Melson all were added to the Sooners’ official scholarship list.

Schmit, a third-year sophomore from Oklahoma City (Bishop McGuinness), took over as OU’s starting kicker last year in Venables’ first season as head coach.

Freeman, a true freshman from Oklahoma City (Heritage Hall) and son of former Sooner tight end Jason Freeman, scored a touchdown on his first collegiate touch and frequently impacted the Sooners offense, playing in all 13 games with three catches for 46 yards and six rushes for 62 yards. 

Plaster, a fourth-year junior from Flower Mound, TX, transferred in 2020 from Arizona State but hasn’t played in a game yet.

Hudgens, a third-year sophomore from Flower Mound, played in four games on special teams last season and has contributed to the scout team.

Melson, a third-year sophomore from Mansfield, TX, and son of former Sooner quarterback Chris Melson, hasn’t played in a game yet at OU but has been a regular contributor on the scout team.

The news is especially meaningful for the players and their families, who no longer have to pay tuition, room and board and fees.

But it’s also important to the large class of preferred walk-ons the Sooners just signed in the 2023 class, showing them their efforts and hard would could be rewarded soon.

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