UTEP football: Seven walk-on players earn scholarships

Sean Kugler announced today that eleven total players have received scholarships including seven walk-ons as UTEP wrapped up day one of Camp Ruidoso.

As we reported, JUCO safety Brendan Royal committed to UTEP on Monday, and is now with the team on scholarship.  And after transferring from Boise State before the start of last school year tight end Hayden Plinke is also now officially on scholarship.

Both are expected to be on the depth chart this coming season at their respective positions.

Two players from the recruiting class of 2015 were also given scholarships; defensive back Omar Lloyd, and defensive tackle Chris Richardson were added to the scholarship count, both were rumored to be gray-shirted this coming season. 

The walk-ons who earned scholarships were seniors; defensive tackle Vince Czerniewski, El Pasoans Matthew Heard (LB), Natanael Rodriguez (DB), Josh Silvas (OL), and defensive back Nathan Stukes who is from Anderson, South Carolina.  Sophomore walk-ons and El Paso natives Erik Ramirez (OL), and Chris Thummel (OL) were also given scholarships.

In order for a walk-on student-athlete to earn a scholarship, a 3.0 GPA must be sustained, he must be on the team for at least two seasons, and must stay out of trouble off the field.

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