What Brandon Walker wants, Brandon Walker gets.

Despite some other offers, Walker wanted something better. Just like he did with his expectations heading into last football season.

After surpassing his expectations and helping the Ironton Fighting Tigers to a 10-3 record as a triple overtime loss in the regional finals, Walker signed a letter-of-intent with the Marshall Thundering Herd Wednesday as a preferred walkon.

Walker preferred Marshall over West Virginia Tech, a Division II school that offers scholarships.

“I liked Marshall better and it was closer to home,” Walker said. “I wanted to play Division I. That was my goal before the season to make it to Division I.”

Walker wasn’t sure he was going to get the chance, but his success this season caught the eye of several recruiters.

“(The Marshall coaches) want me to play linebacker. They liked how I found the ball and my pursuit and speed,” Walker said

The Associated Press Division IV Southeast Ohio District Defensive Player of the Year was not only a first team all-district selections but was named first team All-Ohio.

A 6-1, 210-pound senior, Walker led Ironton in tackles with 108, sacks with seven, five fumble recoveries and also had an interception.

Offensively, he caught 13 passes for 390 yards and four touchdowns.

Walker exploded on the scene at Ironton this season, much of the success due to a strong offseason of weightlifting and conditioning overseen by his older brother Jasun.

“Five months before the season I started training really hard with my brother. It paid off. I didn’t think I was going to have that kind of a season,” Walker said.

“I know it’s going to be hard. I’m just going to have to work harder,” Walker said.

Brandon is the son of Jolinda Walker of Ironton.