KENT, Ohio — Lee Stalker always wanted to have the day off from football to enjoy his birthday.

This year, he made a big exception.

Stalker, a 2007 graduate of Butler High School, walked on at Kent State University and on Aug. 10, he learned from head coach Doug Martin he was awarded a scholarship for his efforts.

"I always knew there was that shot, that possibility, but it doesn't happen often," said Stalker, who still has three years of eligibility left since he was redshirted his first season with the Golden Flashes.

"I had discussions after the first year. My grades were shaky but I got them up. the possibility would keep coming up, but nothing was happening," Stalker added.

Stalker's hard work and determination finally came to fruition just over two weeks ago.

"It's bad enough that since the fourth grade I've had to celebrate my birthday with pads and a helmet in practice," said the 6-foot-2, 252-pound defensive lineman. "I love the game, but it's my birthday.

"We had two-a-days that day and after the morning practice I asked (Martin) about it and he said he hadn't heard anything. The next practice started at 4 p.m. and finished at 7. He took me aside and told me I got it," Stalker added.

Being redshirted his first year at the school, he still impressed the coaches by earning the Defensive Scout Player of the Year.

"I came here for a degree in Architecture and Kent State is a good school for that," said Stalker. "The coaches said I could walk on and as a walk-on, they're not looking to you for anything. They look at your play in practice.

"You're not expecting to be a starter," he added.

"Lee's a great player, really upbeat," said Flashes defensive line coach Matt Edwards. "His improvement and hard work in the weight room is much stronger. He's increased his speed and athleticism. He got to the point he's been a solid contributor at Kent State.

"It's been a joy to see him mature, not just on the field but in the classroom and as a person," Edwards added.

Showing his performance in his freshman campaign was not a fluke, he again earned the Defensive Scout Player of the Year as a redshirt freshman.

He made the travel squad the last three games of the regular season and averaged about 10 snaps a game, working on the goal-line defense.

During spring practice, Stalker sustained a torn meniscus in the closing minutes of the Blue-Gold Game.

"I came up limping and had surgery. They trimmed it, then I rehabbed it," he said. "I missed a month in the summer, but I came back and started training again."

When he showed up for training camp Aug. 6, there still was no word about a scholarship.

"I was discouraged, but I was still looking for it," Stalker noted.

It turned out to be a better-late-than-never birthday surprise, but the effort along the way allowed Stalker to treasure his scholarship.

"I appreciate it so much more than maybe the regular guys," said Stalker. "They knew they were getting a scholarship back in high school. A lot of guys appreciate it, but I appreciate it more.

"I earned it the hard way. I had to wait until I got here. There's a lot more deeper meaning."

"Lee's a great person, a great kid and has a great work ethic. Everything given at Kent State, he's earned," said Edwards. "I've really enjoyed coaching Lee and he's not a finished product. He still has his best football left in him.

"Everyone here is excited to see how much better he'll be."