[Buckskin86]

Trever Robinson couldn't get Ohio State out of his head.

The all-state linebacker from Richmond, Va., knew he wanted to become a Buckeye after watching the team play just once while on a recruiting trip to Penn State. He stuck with his decision, even though it meant paying his own way as a walk-on.

"I liked the swagger Ohio State played with," he said. "If I had the opportunity, I was sure I was going to go there.

"They told me, 'If you work hard and get on some special teams or get on the two-deep, maybe you'll obtain a scholarship,' " he added, "but it wasn't promised."

Robinson, who turned down a few Division II offers, made the Buckeyes' kickoff team as a redshirt freshman, and his role steadily increased. He was awarded a scholarship as a junior last year, and OSU hasn't regretted the investment.

The backup fullback is playing on four special-teams units and made the first two receptions of his career this year, including a touchdown grab. And he's not the only former walk-on chipping in.

The Buckeyes' policy of rewarding walk-ons certainly makes sense to Robinson.

"You could always hold back scholarships for talented guys," he said, "but I believe we have a lot of talent already here that the public hasn't seen. A lot of times, they don't get the recognition, but they deserve it."

Walk-ons a big part of Ohio State program