Three OSU Football Walk-ons Earn Scholarships

NewsOn6.com

STILLWATER, Oklahoma – Three Oklahoma State football walk-ons have earned scholarships for the upcoming season.

Coach Mike Gundy awarded scholarships to receiver Colton Chelf, offensive lineman Casey LaBrue and safety Kyle Hale.

Gundy said walk-ons always have the opportunity to eventually earn scholarships if they work hard enough and are able to contribute enough on the field.

"We certainly want to do it because they are what college football is all about," Gundy said. "Guys that love to play the game and they start out doing it for free – I think it's a show of the direction we're going and what we stand for, which is trying to do the right thing."

Hale, just a sophomore, plays both safety and special teams and said earning a scholarship is about more than just money.

"I'm in it because I love playing the game, it's fun and I love the team," Hale said. "That's what makes me come out here every day and try to get better and help the team get better."

Chelf has shown significant contributions in the OSU offense. He caught 11 passes for 200 yards last year, including a 62-yard score against Baylor.

When he arrived at OSU, his coaches had him fill out a sheet of goals, and one of them was to earn a scholarship.

He said one of the best parts about the scholarship is getting to eat at the training table every night with the team instead of spending his own money on food.

LaBrue is a senior and the second-team center on the depth chart.

He originally attended Missouri State out of high school before transferring.

Offensive line coach Joe Wickline said it's a big accomplishment moving through the ranks as Casey has to a backup on a top 10 team.

"Casey wasn't highly recruited coming out of high school, but he is proof that it isn't all about five stars or four stars or any of that other junk," Wickline said. "It's about who's the toughest and who plays the hardest and makes the most of his opportunities."