Interview: Rising 2021 California OL Caleb Walker is a Missed on Next Level Talent
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
From one season, one game, and one snap to the next, all the pieces of the puzzle are coming together on the gridiron for Class of 2021 offensive lineman Caleb Walker. Walker spent the 2019 season protecting his quarterback’s blindside earning West Yosemite All-League recognition against California Division II competition. The 6-4.5, 290-pound, lineman is more than a sizeable opponent helping El Diamante High School move the chains up and down the field, Walker has good foot quickness, developing strength and technique, and has that nasty streak seeking to force defenders to submit from the opening drive making him a next level prospect.
In an RNG-first look Q&A interview, Walker sat down for a detailed conversation covering ground on his talents in the trenches.
Interview
Caleb, as a left tackle for the Miners, how did your junior season on the gridiron go overall?
“It went well for me. The season itself, we had a lot of hardships. We had new coaches, we had to get used to each other. The offensive line was there for a second year, me and my guard, we were putting in work getting pancakes left and right.”
No doubt. What style of offense were you guys running?
“A fast-paced no-huddle Spread.”
How did your abilities as a pass blocker improve in 2019?
“A lot. Going from sophomore year, my coach was watching film from sophomore year did not know who I was. I was going to a lot of camps over the offseason and grinding every day to get better for my junior season. My stance, improved; I was open with my feet and my hand was too much on the ground. Last season my kicking improved, I got stronger, and I became more violent and nasty.”
What about with your run blocking?
“Really well. But there is always room for improvement. We did a lot in the pass game, but when we did run, I pulled some and was pancaking them. It went really well.”
Did you guys track pancakes and knockdowns?
“No, I wish we did.”
Guessing, about how many per game?
“I’d say like five, at least.”
The coaches got you in on defense for some part-time work last season. Was that fun for you competing on the other side of the line?
“Yes, I didn’t have to protect the QB anymore. On defenses you give the blows, you don’t have to receive them. Defense is more violent, playing both sides of the ball is amazing.”
How did those reps going the other way help push your understanding of the game as an offensive lineman?
“I found out what defensive linemen have to do to get past me, and I used that against them.”
Will that role as a defensive lineman increase during your senior year?
“Yes, I am planning on playing the defensive line more this season.”
Over the spring months, what have you been working on with the technical parts of your game?
“A lot of work in the pass game, running up to the linebacker, seeing where I will meet them, and working on pulling. Working on getting my first steps down.”
To prepare for your senior season, what has been your workout routine this spring?
“Six days a week I am working out taking off Sunday for church. Monday was arms, Tuesday back and shoulders, and Wednesday was legs, and then repeat. Saturday is my cardio day.”
What are your maxes in the weight room?
“My bench is 265, but I am pushing to be at 290 by June, 335 squat, and 405 deadlift.”
Let’s get into some recruiting news. Which schools are showing interest?
“I am talking to a lot of coaches, my coach is telling me coaches are wanting to talk to me too: Cal-Poly, San Jose State, and I went on unofficial to UC-Davis.”
Have you picked up that first offer?
“Yes. I have an offer from D-III Concordia in Minnesota.”
Nice. You mentioned the UC-Davis visit, have you had a chance to visit any other programs?
“Just the UC-Davis visits. I was planning on going to San Jose State but that was cancelled because of the virus.”
Tell me about the UC-Davis visit.
“It was really cool. I went for the Cal-Poly game – the Golden Horseshoe Game. It was cool seeing the environment and players, and meeting all the coaches.”
Do you have any planned visits?
“Not yet, everything has been virtual for me now.”
Steering away from football here. What is your cumulative GPA?
“3.71.”
Beyond football, you are getting after it in other sports for El Diamante. Which sports are you competing in for your school?
“Football, track, and basketball.”
Are you running the 100?
(Laughs) “No, my events are the shot and discus.”
What are your personal bests in the two events?
“My shot is 39, almost 40, and my discus is 125.”
And the skills on the court? I’m guessing you are that point guard that dribble penetrates dropping dimes to your teammates?
“Yes, I am a three-point god over here. I was not planning on playing basketball, I was going to weight lift, but my basketball coach sold me on the footwork and being more agile on football field after playing basketball. I played as a freshman, but lifted my sophomore year. Coach kept me on the team after I tried out; I did get better on my feet.”
Last question. What is one thing you want all college football coaches to know about you?
“I work harder than everyone else on the field, the goal is to be the best on the field for my team.”
Caleb, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your workouts this summer.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Walker family; Caleb Walker