Georgia four-star 2025 LB Mantrez Walker covers Top 12
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Since four-star linebacker Mantrez Walker opened his recruiting process again, the frenzy to land him has been intense. Top programs across the nation need a linebacker who can control the box, and that is what the four-star talent brings to the field for Buford High School (Ga.). Heading into the New Year, Walker (6-1, 222) will focus on 12 squads going forward.
The list of favorites, in no order: Arkansas, Michigan State, Louisville, Tennessee, Stanford, LSU, Miami, South Carolina, Penn State, Missouri, Colorado, and Ole Miss.
Walker gave a breakdown on six of the 12 teams listed.
THE BREAKDOWN
Arkansas: “Man, Arkansas my first offer. They were the first school to believe in me. Coach (Sam) Pittman is a great guy. Coach (Jimmy) Smith, their running backs coach, I knew him before he went to Arkansas. Coach T-Will (Travis Williams – DC), he offered me at UCF and at Arkansas. He came to my school to reoffer me.
“I know I am needed and wanted there. I know I can make an impact there. My family loves Arkansas. They compare other visits to Arkansas. Their facilities are clean; everything is clean there. They are just missing a couple of pieces to get over the hump.”
Colorado: “With Colorado, as soon as Deion Sanders got the job, they made me a priority. Coach (Michael) Pollo (Pollock – OA) is my guy. The coaches are real there. They showed me everything when I was there. They talked about the ins and outs of the game and recruiting.
“They want me to come in making an instant impact. They are not promising a starting spot, but the ability to play early. It is nice up there. There are connections with NFL guys on that team. Coach Prime, he is a Hall of Famer. Playing under coach (Andre’) Hart (LB) would mean a lot. They will motivate you to do better helping you to go where you want to be; that is why they are one my top schools.”
Miami: “I love the Hurricanes, man. My mom always talks about Miami. She tells me she wants to move to Florida. My dad does too. Coach (Mario) Cristobal is great. He hit me up throughout the year, even through all they were doing. Coach D-Nick (Derek Nicholson – LB) reaches out to me. The whole staff is in a group chat with me.
“I have been meaning to get down there; I will on Jan. 20. One of their coaches came by my school; he said, “we will not drop the ball like Michigan did.” That means a lot. My favorite linebacker, Ray Lewis, played there. I know a couple of people there. I know Popo (Raul Aguirre); we are close. We played little league together. There are connections there.”
Penn State: “I have been up there twice – the love they show. I can see myself in their scheme. I like coach James Franklin. He is consistent. They have great linebacker production at their school. I have a good relationship with coach AZ (Alan Zemaitis – RC); he has been keeping it real with me. I did have a good relationship with coach Manny Diaz (DC), but he just left. I am interested in who will be the next defensive coordinator at Penn State. Coach AZ and I have a good relationship.”
South Carolina: “I have been up there twice. South Carolina has shown love since my freshman year. Coach Clayton (White – LB) has been on me for a long time. I am a priority for South Carolina. They need me, they are not just wanting me. They don’t have that many linebackers in 2024 class, and the linebackers that they have there now will be gone by the time I get there; there is a good chance to play early there. South Carolina is in the SEC. I like what they are doing there.”
Tennessee: “I love Tennessee. When I went up there for the first time, the game day atmosphere was crazy. They text every other day sending me motivational stuff and always ask about my family. They are showing love. They have made me a top priority. I have a teammate who is committed there; he’s always in my ear about them. South Carolina has a good program, why not include them in my top schools.”
Although the list is extensive, Walker was asked if there are any teams that could work their way into one of his favorites in the future.
“I was offered by Maryland today (Monday),” Walker said. “I don’t know, they could work their way in. Alabama, if they offered, I would be very-very interested. My coach tells me that Georgia and Bama changed their process recruiting linebackers a few years ago. They used to recruit guys like me, the Ray Lewis type, but now they want long lankly guys. But now they have a hard time against the run, so they are starting to recruit guys like me again.”
A future visit to Coral Gables was mentioned, more information on future trips was shared by Walker, “I am going to Miami on Jan. 20, Louisville on Jan. 6, and to Ole Miss on Feb. 3. I love Ole Miss. I will most likely be there then.”
The early New Year visits feed into the next round of recruiting moves for Walker.
“I plan on cutting the list to six around springtime,” Walker said. “I will take six official visits. I may cut the list in May or April.”
Walker is at the 30-offer mark thus far. He was previously verbally committed to the Michigan Wolverines (Feb. 11) decommitting on Sept. 11.
*Click the link for the Nov. 27 RNG interview with Mantrez Walker.