Update 3:53 p.m.: Penn State athletics came through with the video of James Franklin presenting Walker with the scholarship in front of the whole team.

“I’m not giving him shit, he’s earned this,” said Franklin. “He’s getting a full scholarship, and that’s Von Walker.”

Walker was surrounded by his teammates in earnest congratulations. Following the presentation, Walker phoned his mom, who urged him to keep “battling.” Check it out:

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As a walk-on, it’s tough to get noticed by coaches. You weren’t heavily recruited, there might be other players far superior to you athletically, and the deck is stacked against you. If you’re lucky enough, hard work and dedication pays off in a major way. For former walk-on linebacker Von Walker, it finally did this week.

The junior linebacker — who has played running back, safety, and even fielded kicks during his time in Happy Valley — earned himself an athletic scholarship from the coaching staff yesterday, meaning he’ll be continuing his education on the university’s dollar.

Congrats to my bro @VTW21 on EARNING an athletic scholarship to play football here! #LinebackerU

— Jason Cabinda (@jasoncabinda) April 27, 2015

Congrats to @VTW21 on EARNING his $$$$..Von has earned the respect of this coaching staff as much as anyone in the program. #MostImproved — Bob Shoop (@Coach_ShoopPSU) April 28, 2015

Walker’s versatility garnered attention among the coaching staff, along with his knack for special teams. While he may not be starting this fall, Walker will seek to increase his playing time with a stellar effort in summer camp.

Stories like these just make you feel all warm and happy inside. Walker’s family is relieved of the financial burden of paying for school, and he can go to sleep tonight knowing the countless weeks and months spent grinding have been noticed.