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Marshall linebacker Eli Gates following in his father's footsteps

Related Topics: Linebacker, Walk-on (sports)

Eli Gates (52) served two seasons as a walk-on at Marshall when he learned during preseason camp this summer that he would be placed on scholarship.

HUNTINGTON — Following in his father’s footsteps has been a long, hard slog for Eli Gates, who walked on at Marshall in 2014.

He didn’t walk off, like many others. And this month, he was rewarded for it handsomely — now, his college coursework is on the house.

For the 6-foot-4, 211-pound third-year sophomore from Hedgesville High, the new scholarship was a life-changer, one that broadsided him one morning during preseason camp.