Interview: 2023 Maryland OL Tamarus Walker Ready to Follow Up All-American Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Some feats of athleticism are more impressive than others, especially with more detail to the events. During the 2019 season, Tamarus Walker tore it up for McDonogh High School at right guard, and got some snaps in on the defensive line. The Eagles won 11 games last season ending with a No. 6 in-state ranking. Walker accomplished all of that as a freshman. The 6-4, 300-pound, road-grader worked his way into becoming a force in the trenches earning second team MaxPreps Class of 2023 honors. In addition to his abilities on the gridiron, Walker competed in wrestling for the first time, jumping up a division to the junior varsity ranks winning a state championship.
With collegiate eyes watching, Walker has worked hard over the offseason ready to showcase his growing skills in another All-American style season with the Eagles. To find out how he is preparing to replicate the feat, he sat down for an RNG interview.
Interview
Tamarus, the 2019 season was a big one for you and the Eagles. The season ended with an in-state No. 6 ranking. As a two-way player, who was a freshman then, what was the experience of last season like for you?
It was pretty good. I was injured (sprained knee) a little, that messed things up a little bit.
When did you find out you’d be a starter on the varsity squad?
Last year, I knew during summer training.
Your skills had to improve by leaps and bounds between the coaching and experience gained a season ago. What were some of the biggest areas where your game grew last season?
My game grew with my run blocking and kick drive. My punch, kick step, and getting to the second level also improved.
You may not have had a ton of snaps on defense, but you logged four tackles. How did playing defense help you grow last year and this offseason as an offensive lineman?
It helped me a lot because now I know what to do and what not to do against defensive linemen.
Where are you lining up on the field in 2020?
Mainly at guard, at right guard, and I will get some time in at defensive tackle.
What style of offense are you guys running in 2020?
We will pass the ball a lot this year. We are running a Spread, in trips a lot.
The Eagles’ offense was fairly balanced last season, meaning you have to focus on both pass-pro and run blocking equally. What did you work on with your game this offseason as an offensive lineman?
I worked with Coach Dillon on my run and pass blocking; it improved a lot. I was working on every part of my game and I got stronger over the offseason. Coach Bill Ackerman helped me improve my overall strength.
How were you adding more strength and power to your game over the spring and summer months?
I was working on my bench and squat a lot with Coach Harper.
Did you max out this offseason, if so, what did you hit?
My max bench press is 340, my max squat is 450, and my clean is 250.
Impressive.
Thank you.
When do the Eagles start the 2020 season?
We’ve been practicing, I think the season starts in October or November.
The schedule has you guys playing Avalon first. How pumped are you guys to be back on the field getting after someone else other than each other?
(Laughs) We are really pumped about that. Everyone on the team is hyped about it.
How is the rest of the season scheduled? Are you playing all conference games?
Right. We are playing all conference games this season.
Once the 2020 season kicks off, what goals have you set for yourself?
I want to improve overall as a football player and dominate.
Taking a turn to recruiting. Which schools, that you know of, are showing recruiting interest?
Penn State, Maryland, Virginia Tech, Michigan, and Michigan State.
This summer, did you get to take any virtual tours?
Yes, sir. I took one to Penn State.
Very cool. What did they show you during the visit?
I saw everything, the weight room, the campus, and the dorms.
When campuses open back up, are there any programs you’d like to visit?
Every school that is showing interest.
Last round of questions for you. Are you competing in any other sports for McDonogh?
Wrestling.
How did the 2019-20 season go for you?
I was the JV state wrestling champ in 2019-20.
As a freshman, even more impressive. What was that experience like for you ending an amazing freshman year as a state champ in wrestling?
It was a great experience. That was my first year wrestling. I did really good that year.
Tying it all together, how has wrestling helped you with football?
It helps me in football by staying low, getting stronger, and winning my one-on-ones.
Tamarus, I had a great time learning more about you and your game today. Thanks for your time and good luck preparing for the upcoming season until we talk again.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Walker family; Tamarus Walker
Lil T known to many is one of the most humble and respectful young men I know. His Dad and Mom has raised an exceptional young man. I look forward to seeing him be successful at everything he puts his mind too. Mr. Walker has been groomed for greatness 🙌 👏
Thanks for reading and commenting. – RNG