I was a former, full scholarship player at Vandy (89-92') and some of the hardest working men did exactly what I did for FREE. Truly for love of the game which is why his teammates erupted in celebration. Coach Franklin- all class for handling it in this way. Congrats Marc! Consider this alumnus a huge fan of yours.
It's great to hear a story like this. With so much negative things happening in the NCAA it's refreshing seeing a story like this. Congrats to Marc and hats off to Vanderbilt. From a San Jose State student
Absolutely love college football, and this is just another reason why. Awesome job to the coaching staff at Vanderbilt and especially to the Head Coach for taking the extra steps. Well done Marc Panu, well deserved.
Huge Nebraska fan and we have a history of this but this is great. So pleased for the young man and its a class act all around by the sound of the coach. Hope he goes on to do great thing for the school. Great job Vandy much respect to you all
this video shows how a young man worked hard and often on the football field and never lost his goals or his way. All man around the world should know stay with your dreams and goals never and i mean never let no one tear you down
Anchor Down from this Texas Longhorns fan! Fantastic. This is the kind of story and player that deserves much more attention in today's media that focuses on tragedy and misfortune. In a year that saw PSU dwarf headlines, this was refreshing. Bravo!
This is what you love most about being part of a team, the respect and love he gets from his teammates is something that really enriches peoples lives, nothing like it.
From a Baylor Bear: Man, that was so great that it gave me "chills" to know and see that there are still coaches that "honor" hard work and dedication to the game. Wow!!!! Way to go Marc & coach!!!
I gotta be honest, I get choked up every time I see this video. Because it's those role players, the guys who may never suit up for a game, who may never play a down in a game- those guys play for the love of the sport. You can tell his teammates love him, as obviously the coaching staff as well. It just shows what hard work, the right attitude, and determination can achieve. Well done young man.
What an awesome video to see. I guess I am a softie. It warmed my heart I shed a tear was truly tears of joy. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And he is extremely smart, what an all around person.
Very classy move by the coach and the school. I hope there are more moments like this for walk-on players across the country, regardless of the sport or school.
I'm sooooooooooo proud to be a season ticket holder seeing this!!!!! Got tears in my eyes seeing this. Marc Panu, just know you'll have a lot of fans in the stands cheering you on even more, now. Great job. Coach Franklin, YOU DA MAN!!!!!!! The one and only thing I dislike about you is my football ticket prices will go up because you are going to make Vandy FB one of the hottest tickets in town in a couple years. Eh, I'll survive, it's worth it. Anchor Down!!!!
As a Tennessee Vols fan, I'd like to say congrats to Marc Panu & to Mr. Franklin, you're a great coach & you'll do wonders in the SEC. Thanks for bringing the good back in sports.
I love Vandy, love the school, love the campus... Even love the student body. Some of my fondest memories are there (a friend attended...not me) and this just reinforces why they are my number 2 SEC team...Go Cocks!
With all that you see wrong about college football, things like this are a shining example of what is what is right about college football. Congratulations to Marc Panu !!
man, good for him. What a great story. I think it is awesome. I hope this guy has a great season and better yet he can get an education at a great school thanks to his hard work. Thats what its all about!
So happy to see greatness from man kind. I kind of doubt it some until this stuff reminds me we can care for others! bring love back everyone! best of luck panu!!!!!!!!
Marc -- Congratulations! You're a good man, and that's what's important. Doesn't hurt to be good at football, either, but heart and soul are what count, and from what I see, you have both. Take care of yourself. -- whoosie
Classiest move I ever saw. From everything I've read here, this young man is an example for his peers both on the field and in the classroom. LSU alum living in GA here, hoping next time Grantham (UGA) chests up with Franklin, as after last year's game, CJF knocks him to next season. Guess that wouldn't be too classy, though.
Chemical Engineering is probably the hardest engineering discipline that there is. Hard at MIT, hard at CalTech, hard at Nowhere State University, and hard at Vanderbilt. Look up "physical chemistry" or "thermodynamics" some time. I have no idea how this guy is able to major in chemical engineering and play football at the same time. He must not sleep ever.
Good to see a STUDENT-athlete get a full ride, who's gonna use it completely and take advantage of it, instead of an athlete on a full ride taking bowling, ballet, and maybe even Math 101 classes.
