Interview: Overlooked 2019 Arkansas LB/RB David Walker Displaying FBS Starting Talents
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Every high school football player needs a guy like David Walker on their team, for that matter, every college football program needs and wants one as well. No matter what Walker does, he brings it. During the 2017 season, he carried the rock 36 times for 331 yards with six scores and pulled in 13 passes for 129 yards with three more trips into the end zone. On defense, the now 6-2, 248-pound, linebacker was bullish putting an end to 77 plays with 24 tackles for a loss, forced a fumble, picked off a pass, and broke up eight passing attempts.
The college football recruiting world has been slow to find Walker at Stuttgart High School. Despite all his productivity on the field as a 4A All-State defensive end and on the hardwood, where he earned All-Conference honors, Walker has just one offer from Ouachita Baptist with teams like Harding, Henderson State, and Arkansas Tech showing interest.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the Natural State’s most overlooked talents covering Walker’s on the field exploits, offseason workouts, and recruiting prospects.
*Click link inside logo for a breakdown of David Walker’s projection to the next level by Coach Ron Anzevino of My Football Evaluation!
Interview
David, it seems like you did just about everything for the Ricebirds in 2017 lining up at defensive end, running back, and on kick return – did I miss any positions?
(Laughs) “No, sir.”
I have to ask, did you drive the team bus for away games as well?
(Laughs) “No, sir.”
Overall, how did your junior season go on the field?
“It was great. I did a lot on defense to help the team out.”
You are a hard-nosed runner with the pigskin in your hands, what are some of the other strengths of your game as a running back?
“I know how to get through the hole, I pick a spot and run through it. I have been a running back since my Pee Wee League days.”
You did a great job of creating chaos in the opposition’s backfield racking up 24 tackles for a loss playing end, what were some of the things you do well from that spot that allows you to be so productive?
“I made plays, and I helped my teammates out making plays. In practice we work on our get off, and I work on that on my own. I am good at reading the defender. It is a mindset thing for me with the ball in my hands.”
What have you been working on this offseason?
“I’ve been working on getting faster and stronger.”
Where all will you line up in 2018?
“I am playing middle linebacker, defensive end, and running back.”
You mentioned working on your strength this offseason, have you maxed out lately?
“Yes, sir. My bench max is 300, squat 455, incline 245, and my power clean is 300.”
Impressive.
“Thank you.”
Have you attended any camps this summer?
“Yes, sir. I went to a Harding University and an Arkansas Elite 100 camp.”
Do you have any camps on the schedule for July?
“Yes, sir. I am going to an A-State (Arkansas State) camp on July 21st and I’m going to a UCA (Central Arkansas) camp on the 27th.”
What is the fastest 40-yard dash you’ve posted this offseason?
“My fastest 40 is a 4.61.”
Wow. You have an offer from Ouachita Baptist, which schools are showing recruiting interest but have not offered yet?
“Harding, Henderson State, and Arkansas Tech.”
Have you visited any schools yet?
“Yes, sir. I have visited Harding.”
Do you have any planned visits upcoming?
“I am planning on visiting OBU, Henderson, Harding, and hopefully A-State.”
Do you play any other sports for Stuttgart other than football?
“Yes, sir. Basketball, soccer, and track.”
Which events in track?
“The 400, long jump, 200, and shotput.
Which is your best event?
“The shot – I have a long of 39.5.”
Back to football. Over the spring and summer sessions, how is the team looking?
“We are looking good, but we have to get better at communication.”
What can fans of Ricebird football expect in 2018?
“We are going to get a ring this year.”
Is there a game on the schedule you are already excited to play?
“Yes. Warren, the Lumberjacks.”
David, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Walker family; David Walker on the field and at Harding University