Sept. 29, 2010

by Austin Staton -

As the old adage goes, hard work pays off because you get out of it what you put into it.

For Louisiana Tech senior safety Tym Toussaint, a strong work ethic and dedication combined with a passion for the game of football simply proves that all dreams are attainable when the drive exists to achieve one's goals.

Due to circumstances related to Hurricane Katrina, Toussaint was not highly-recruited as a student-athlete at the prep level. However, that would not be a road block for Toussaint accomplishing his dreams.

As a junior at Warren Easton High School, Toussaint recorded 110 tackles and three sacks as he was named 8-5A all-district while being named a team captain. However, after transferring schools to Northside High School in Lafayette, Toussaint totaled 20 tackles and one interception. Nevertheless, his football career was far from over.

Stepping onto the Louisiana Tech campus in the fall of 2007, the New Orleans native was given the opportunity to walk-on and claim a spot on the Bulldogs football roster. It wasn't long before his talents and dedication caught the eyes of the coaching staff.

"I decided to walk-on to see if I had a shot at playing division I football," said Toussaint. "When coach (Derek) Dooley came in I had a shot. I made the team and kept working hard and everyone was supporting me. It was a blessing."

After successfully walking on to the Tech program, Toussaint spent both his freshman and sophomore seasons as a member of the scout team helping starters prepare for the gameplan of the upcoming opponent each week.

"He came in as a walk-on, and he has done everything that we have asked him," said defensive coordinator Tommy Spangler. "He has really worked hard, and he is focused on that. He takes a lot of pride in that."

In addition to spending time with the scout team during the 2009 season, Toussaint spent time practicing with special teams in hopes of garnering a spot on the field during a game. Due to multiple injuries to key role players, Toussaint finally got his chance.

Seeing action in four games late in the season, Toussaint made his presence felt as he blocked a punt during a game against Fresno State in November 2009.

"He understood that his best opportunity to contribute is probably through special teams," said Spangler.

"He really views that as his ticket," said special teams coordinator Mark Tommerdahl. "He plays special teams because he works, he is consistent and he stays with it. He knows that is his way to play. He is the type of guy that you try to build your special teams core around."

Entering his final season in the Tech program under the direction of a new coaching staff, Toussaint still had some unfinished business - attaining a football scholarship for his efforts and contributions to the football team both on and off the field.

"I had the mentality that whether or not I got a scholarship, I was still going to work my tail off," said Toussaint. "I kept praying `Lord, please let me get this opportunity.' My mom always told me to keep my head up, and I just kept fighting."

For the senior walk-on, the fight paid off.

"The last day of camp coach Dykes called me into his office, and he awarded me a scholarship," Toussaint said. "That was the happiest moment of my life." "Interruption would a good word to describe it," said Tommerdahl of the team's reaction to Toussaint earning a scholarship. "Everybody likes him, and they are genuinely are happy for him."

What separates Toussaint from walk-ons that have given up after a year or two is his perseverance to better himself and his team - with or without a scholarship.

"I guess why it makes him such a good story is because not a lot of people can do it. That's not the way people are wired anymore," Spangler said of Toussaint. "Kids want the quick results and the quick gratification. If they don't get to play right away, it's hard to keep persevering."

"Tim Toussant would still be on this team whether or not coach had given him a scholarship. He just loves football, this team, this community and most of all, this school. He has a true passion for the game and that is what sparks his perseverance."

Despite earning a scholarship, nothing has changed about Toussaint. His work ethic, leadership and dedication to the Louisiana Tech program can be witnessed just by watching the passion that he displays on the gridiron.

With just eight regular season games left in his collegiate career, the walk-on turned scholarship student-athlete just wants to make his presence felt.

"I still have to play hard to represent myself, my school and my family. I want to produce and continue to make my team better by just working," said Toussaint. "It's a fun experience just being a walk-on and being a part of a team. The scholarship will come if you just continue to work at it."

"We try to make that point to all of our guys that just because you're on a scout team does not mean that you can't improve, and that it won't pay off," said Spangler. "Hard work has paid off for him."