Remember adjusting to the transitions from middle school to high school and then high school to college? A similar culture shock can be when a walk-on (or simply any freshman) gets the opportunity to dress out for an SEC football team.

Tyler Wills, a freshman walk-on, experienced this transition in the Vols' Homecoming victory against the Memphis Tigers. Prior to this game the new walk-ons had simply been a part of Tennessee's practice squad and had not dressed for a game yet. Seeing this first hand was mind-blowing.

"I had my last name on my jersey. I didn't expect that at all."Tyler Wills, walk-on cornerback

"It's really fast, like especially from the sideline," Wills said. "From watching practice, it's fast, but nothing compared to a real game."

While Wills did not get to actually play, he did experience what it is like to enter a venue like Neyland Stadium with loyal Vols' fans cheering for you.

"It was way different. There's so many people out there, and it's so loud. You come out of the bleachers in high school and then you come out from an actual tunnel in college. I was looking at all the people and trying not to trip."

For the last few weeks leading up to the game, Wills did not know where he would get to view the Vols Homecoming game. Walk-ons from previous years hinted that the newcomers would likely get the opportunity to dress out.

Wills said that he received an email Wednesday night before the Memphis game that there was a possibility that the new walk-ons would get to dress out. Word was later confirmed after practice on Thursday evening.

"It didn't really seem real until actually going into the locker room when they had jerseys, everything ready for me. Helmets, cleats, everything. I had my last name on my jersey. I didn't expect that at all."

This taste of Tennessee football may be all of the game day experience for 2009, but it was every bit worth it for Wills. With one home game left, maybe he will get the opportunity against Vanderbilt.

"They still have this "T" on my helmet, so there's a chance [to dress against Vanderbilt]."