NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- What began as a routine team meeting turned into a surreal moment for one Vanderbilt football player.
After praising fullback Marc Panu for his effort in practice the day before, coach James Franklin stunned his fourth-year walk-on by awarding him a full scholarship on Wednesday.
Immediately, the packed auditorium erupted into cheers as Panu's teammates rose to congratulate him in a moment that was caught on tape and posted on Vanderbilt's website Friday.
The announcement shocked Panu, who dropped his head into his hands and slouched back into his chair in disbelief. The 20-year-old then slowly made his way down to the front of the stage, receiving congratulatory pats on the back from teammates before embracing Franklin.
A former All-State linebacker from Georgia, he has played in 19 games the last two years, primarily on special teams.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
