"Mark has been a huge Mountainer fan for years, and it's always been his dream to play for WVU," said Mark Sampson Sr.

Sampson has participated in the West Virginia University Football Camps for years. In fact, he was the Jr. High Camp MVP twice during the first two years of the Rich Rodriguez era.

"Those camps taught me alot and they were very fun . I'm excited about this opportunity. I know it'll be tough to make it as a walk-on, but I'm ready for the challenge," said Sampson Jr.

Sampson Jr. signed his walk-on papers on St.Jude Parish Hall in Glen Dale. Sandy Linsky, who is the widow of the late JM head coach Mike Linsky, was there for the ceremony. The Sampson's have been longtime friends with the Linsky's growing up in Glen Dale, and coach Linsky was an integral part of Sampson Jr.'s development.

Sampson Jr. was a the first four-year letterman in school history, and was a three-year starter. His career receiving numbers are the best in Monarch history. He caught 163 passes for 1,977 yards and 20 touchdowns. As a senior he caught a valley-leading 77 passes for 860 yards and 10 touchdowns. He flourished in coach Mark Hinerman's wide-open offense for the last two seasons, despite having other receivers with similar numbers.

Sampson, who plans on majoring in Physical Training and Strength and Conditioning at WVU, has been working out with trainer Mo Little, a former University of Oklahoma football player.