It’s a depiction of accuracy according to the soft-spoken Walker.
“I’m very competitive,” he says. “I hate to lose, that’s probably what changes. I have that aggressiveness.”
Indeed, Walker prides himself on his character off the field, but, just the same, prides himself on how he plies his craft on the field.
“On the field, he’s just intense,” teammate Matt Zilinsky says. “He’s not a nice guy on the field.”
When the Falcons’ 2008 season kicks off on Thursday against nonleague rival La Cañada, Walker will be a focal point. His only respite will come when his team receives kickoffs, as he’s on every other kicking team, right along with being a starting receiver in the Falcons’ revamped spread offense and a returning starter on defense, making the move from safety to outside linebacker.
He played safety last season in the Falcons’ 4-4 formation, which transforms into a 3-4 set this year. Likewise, the offense has incurred change. Honest to a tee, Walker admits he’s been a bit slow picking it all up.
“I’m still one of the guys that’s a little behind,” he admits.
But he’s far from daunted, confident that, eventually, it will all come second nature to him and he’ll be able to let his athleticism take over.
With a 4.0 grade-point average at school year’s end in 2008, it’s hard to believe Walker will linger when it comes to picking up offensive and defensive schemes. It’s supported by his attitude.
“I believe football is all about attitude, extra effort,” Walker says. “I always like to get the job done all the way, just get it done right.”
And with that example set, the senior has transitioned into a leader.
“He is the kind of leader that other kids just gravitate to,” Zarrillo says.
