Ever since Matt Baker knew what a football was, he always wanted to play for Marshall University, he said. Starting the first week of August, Baker will get his chance.

The 18-year-old Baker will be one of a handful of the Thundering Herd's “invited walk-ons” when training camp begins the first week of August. If Baker impresses the coaching staff just as much as he did to get the invite, the former West Senator will receive a full scholarship from the university.

“It's an honor,” Baker said. “It's a great program with great coaches and great facilities. I've always been a Marshall fan.”

Baker received the invitation in January. At the time, the 6-foot-6, 275-pound lineman was being recruited by schools such as Otterbein College and Morehead University.