Aug. 22, 2008

Dreams became reality for two veteran Longhorns Friday, as seniors Cory Michner and Luke Tiemann were awarded scholarships by head coach Mack Brown.

"Both Luke and Cory have the characteristics that are so important to any team and they were both so deserving," Brown said. "When we look at awarding scholarships, it goes beyond what just happens on Saturdays. It's about team, it's about academics, it's about toughness and it's about the character that make both of these young men such well-rounded people. It was obvious from the cheers they received from their teammates how much they have contributed."

"I've always been a Longhorn," Tiemann said following a post-practice team meeting Friday morning. "Coming to The University and playing football, going to school, it's just an honor to get a scholarship from coach Brown and the staff. This is the only place for me."

Tiemann, a fifth-year senior from Pflugerville, started his 30-game UT career spending time at defensive end before switching to fullback midway through the 2006 season. He has also seen playing time at linebacker and on special teams in the past two years, recording 11 career tackles and a forced fumble.

"From the time when Luke first showed up until now, he has been tough as nails," said fellow senior running back Chris Ogbonnaya. "That has really helped us in the running back room."

Michner's trip to the 40 acres was a bit longer. The senior defensive end from St. Louis, Mo., has spent three years with the program as a defensive end on the scout team, and his hard work paid its dividends Friday.

"All I can think about is just how fortunate I am," Michner said. "Not only to wind up at a school like Texas, the chance to walk on here is so special, but getting put on scholarship kind of leaves you speechless. That's all there is to it."

"Cory is a great motivator," said fellow senior defensive end Brian Orakpo. "He's always there to pick our spirits up if we're down and he's always positive. He works so hard and that rubs off on the rest of the guys in the defensive end room. He's definitely earned that scholarship."

The two newest scholarship players were rewarded not only for their consistent hard work, but also their ability to lead and contribute during their careers, something that has been greatly appreciated by fellow Longhorns.

"I think things like this really show how much of a family we really are," Orakpo said. "These guys have paid their dues and you can tell that coach Brown and the staff pay attention. These kinds of things show that the hard work pays off."

The scholarship upgrade is certain to make what has been a great experience for the two seniors even more memorable.

"To be given a scholarship and just have this kind of an opportunity is really something special," Michner said. "It's something that will be special for the rest of your life."