Mark Hamper, West Linn athlete, picks up first scholarship offer

Regardless of how celebrated recruits become, they always seem to remember their first scholarship offer.

Whether they end up with just one or 60, that first offer mints them as a bonafide college football recruit.

For West Linn High School athlete Mark Hamper that sense of relief came over the weekend, as he picked up his first offer from Portland State University:

"It's everything I've ever dreamed and worked for, and it means a little more that it came from the hometown team," he said.

Strangely, Portland State had almost no communication with Hamper prior to the offer, but both he and new West Linn coach Jon Eagle felt the offer was imminent.

"Honestly, this was the first time I’ve talked to them," Hamper said. "A few of their coaches followed me on Twitter over the weekend, and Coach Eagle texted me saying that he thought they were going to offer me. Then, I got a call from coach (Skyler) Fulton and he offered me." 

The 6-foot-2, 203-pound athlete can line up all over the field - running back, wide receiver, linebacker and safety - and, so far, Portland State has indicated he would be brought in to find the best fit within their scheme.

'Last fall, Hamper was a second-team all-state wide receiver who carried the load at running back for West Linn in the playoffs, as well as an honorable mention all-state defensive standout.

That profile has other programs intrigued as well.

Hamper intends to visit several schools over the coming months in the hopes of adding to his newfound offer sheet.

He'll check out Colorado State, Montana, Oregon and also compete in the Northwest Showcase this summer, while continuing to talk to schools such as Holy Cross, Idaho, Oregon, Oregon State, Montana, Weber State and others.

One of the best football players in the state, Hamper is finally seeing his talent lead to scholarship opportunities. 

Junior season highlights