WATCH: Lovie Smith surprises Illinois long-snapper with scholarship during team meeting

Most Big Ten athletes aren’t necessarily sought after by dozens of schools, but they are good enough athletes that they know they should be playing their sport on a scholarship.

Some, however, have to walk-on. Some have to fight for their playing time and fight for their scholarship to have an official place on a roster.

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For Illinois long-snapper Ethan Tabel, his journey is one that involves fighting for a scholarship. Nothing was just handed to him. On Monday, during a team meeting, Tabel’s hard work paid off:

https://twitter.com/loviesmith/status/1166036360362385409?s=21

The reaction here is awesome and I’m sure coach Lovie Smith was loving every second of it. Tabel probably loved it even more, though:

I want to take the chance to say thank you to my family, friends, teammates, and coaches for constantly pushing me and believing in me.

This is undoubtedly the best moment in my life and I couldn’t have done it without your support! #WON https://t.co/TOIwnyF5tk

— Ethan Tabel (@ethan_tabel) August 26, 2019