Walk Ons earn scholarships

JONESBORO (8/20/11) - Arkansas State head football coach Hugh Freeze announced Saturday that former walk-on players Trey Outlaw, Cody Prater, Sherodrick Smith and Jonathan Victorian have all been awarded an athletic scholarship for the 2011-12 academic year.

Outlaw and Victorian are both entering their senior season on the football team, while Prater is beginning his junior season and Smith his redshirt freshman campaign. Outlaw is a deep snapper, Victorian a cornerback, Prater a tight end and Smith a running back. Although Prater and Victorian are the only two that have seen game action at A-State, all four had outstanding spring and fall camps this year and are expected to see playing time this year.

"We are delighted to honor Cody, Trey, Rod and Jonathan as one-year recipients of athletic scholarships," said ASU head coach Hugh Freeze. "We hope to make this a normal process to honor men who have exemplified great academic commitment along with tremendous attitude and effort within our football program."

Freeze informed the four players that they are receiving a scholarship in front of the entire team at the Red Wolves first "Commitment Day," prompting a spirited standing ovation from his fellow players and the coaching staff. A-State's first-year head coach gave a motivating speech to the entire team, including coaches, players and support staff, at the event he organized as a way for members of the program to publicly announce their dedication to common family, academic and competitive goals the team holds.

Coaches and their families, players and support staff all crossed the auditorium stage, stating their commitment and showing their dedication to the program before the event was brought to closure.

Season tickets for the Red Wolves' 2011 campaign, which includes six home games, are on sale and can be ordered by contacting the ASU Box Office at 870-972-ASU1 or 1-888-ASU-FANS or by visiting AStateRedWolves.com.