One play from the Chick-fil-A Bowl always stands out to me when I watch the game. Georgia had just scored during their second half comeback. During the ensuing kickoff, a streak of red wearing #53 got through the blocks and made a clean tackle on the Virginia Tech return guy inside of the Hokie 20. It wasn’t a game-changing play by any measure, but it was an impressive special teams play and the kind of thing that makes you ask, "who the heck was that guy?"

That guy was Chris Gaunder, a senior walk-on linebacker from Acworth. Named the outstanding scout team special teams player in 2004, Gaunder played in every game in 2006 as part of the kickoff coverage unit. Now Gaunder, along with fellow walk-on Drew Williams, has earned a scholarship. Williams, a senior safety from Blairsville, has earned outstanding scout team and outstanding defensive walk-on awards during his career and has seen playing time on special teams and as a reserve safety.

Gaunder and Williams become the second and third walk-ons to receive scholarships this season. Snapper Jeff Henson was awarded his scholarship as preseason practice started. Congratulations to these guys – the award of a scholarship in these circumstances is a recognition of special effort and attitude over an entire career.