You didn’t think Penn State football would end what would’ve been a Blue-White weekend without granting a surprise scholarship, did you?

Following Saturday’s Beaver Stadium practice, Nittany Lions legend Jack Ham, who provided commentary on Penn State’s radio broadcast, visited the team’s locker room to speak with the Nittany Lions.

Ham first addressed the team by discussing the legacy of his former Pittsburgh Steelers teammate, “Mean” Joe Greene. By comparing him to Hartlaub, he eventually announced the full scholarship.

“[Greene] bought into the fact that he was going to get double-teamed on every play. He didn’t care about being All-Pro. He cared about winning championships, and that’s what it’s all about,” Ham said. “And a guy right here who, I think, is that kind of a champion, that kind of a team player, is Drew Hartlaub, and he’s on full scholarship.”

Naturally, the Nittany Lions mobbed Hartlaub and lifted him onto their shoulders before he addressed the team, too.

“I love being here with you guys, and I can’t wait for what’s in store for us this year,” Hartlaub said. “It’s kinda still surreal to me. I can’t believe this happened. I worked four years for this, and it finally came true.”

Hartlaub is far from the first Nittany Lion to earn a scholarship over Blue-White weekend. Just two years ago, wide receiver Dan Chisena earned a full ride after scoring a touchdown in the annual spring scrimmage.

So far, Hartlaub has primarily contributed through special teams for Penn State in his career. He played in eight games in the Nittany Lions’ shortened 2020 season and made four tackles and recovered a fumble.