Eastern Michigan football head coach Chris Creighton decided to switch things up as training camp is about to enter its last week.
"We were supposed to have sort of a walk-through scrimmage night situational deal and the word kind of got out," Creighton said.
The surprise was that the team was headed to Ford Field to watch Eagles alumni TJ Lang and rookie Pat O'Connor play, but that wasn't it.
"I would like to present a full athletic scholarship to senior wide receiver Jaron Johnson!" Creighton said on the Jumbotron at Ford Field.
"I had no idea! I just know it's a blessing, I worked hard for it and I make my family proud," senior wide receiver Jaron Johnson said.
"My heart dropped when it happened to me I'm on the faithful and just grateful right now," Johnson added.
It's been quite the journey for Johnson. He's been paying his own way from California and now, he and his family can focus on the season and enjoy the fruits of his labor on and off the field.
"My whole family is going to be so proud of me, they're going to think I really deserved it and I'm proud," Johnson added.
"It's a big deal and here he is going into his senior year, paying his own way from California, has been getting it done in the classroom, he's a great human being, and I'm telling you, you're going to see number eight in some big time roles this season," Creighton said.
Coach Creighton told me he was shocked how many of his players hadn't been to an NFL game before but he's confident that after this night, they'll have a good story from this one.
