On the football field, you can't tell the scholarship players from the walk-ons. They wear the same uniforms and are treated alike.
Mistakes are mistakes, no matter who pays for tuition. And praise isn't limited to the guys on full rides.
Each school can have up to 85 players on scholarship at one time. The roster gets filled out by walk-ons, some recruited (preferred) and others who just show up and ask for a chance.
Illinois coach Lovie Smith wants to build the walk-on program.
For good reason.
Beyond the obvious chance to find help for the team, there is also great value in having motivated players working hard in practice on the scout team.