John Walker has no nerves about transition to a new school and new football program for his final year of collegiate eligiblity. But the graduate transfer from Colorado is nervous about one thing as he comes to Montana State.
“The only thing I am nervous about is running into a bear,” Walker said with a laugh earlier this week. “I heard there is a lot of bears up there. I’m trying to stay away from that. When I was on my visit, I was asking coaches if we were going to see any bears because I heard Yellowstone is right there. I’m trying to stay as far away from that as I can. You won’t see me up in the mountains. I’ll be on flat ground the whole time.”
[restrict paid=”true”]The 5-foot-9, 180-pounder earned his degree in sociology in Boulder this weekend. The defensive back started nine games at nickel back for the Buffs over the last three seasons. Because of a connection with Montana State recruiting coordinator and running backs coach Michael Pitre — a graduate assistant at CU Walker’s first two years there — combined with a desire to pursue a master’s degree at a new school, Walker will play his final season at MSU.
“I already knew Pitre from when he was here at Colorado my freshman year so I had already built a relationship with him,” said Walker, who was one of seven potential transfer recruits in Bozeman for the Sonny Holland Spring Game in mid-April. “He was like, ‘Come out, I want to get you out here and take a look at what we have to offer.’ I took the visit and once I got out there, I fell in love with it. The coaching staff, the scenery it’s kind of a similar vibe at to where I am now out in the mountains.
“The DB coach, Coach (Gerald) Alexander, we developed a relationship before I even left. We bonded right away, a real strong bond. It wasn’t even about football. It was the personal side. I knew he was a genuine man. Once I started talking to Coach (Jeff) Choate, the experience and everything he has to offer, we developed a good bond as well.”
As a senior at H.D. Woodson High School in Washington D.C., Walker was the No. 51 ranked cornerback in the country by ESPN.com. He was among the top 10 recruits in the D.C. region and was an All-Metro and Mid-Atlantic Region selection. His senior prep season, he racked up 84 tackles, 57 solo tackles, four sacks, forced three fumbles, snared two interceptions and averaged three pass breakups per game.
In 2012, Walker looked like he might contribute as a true freshman before suffering a severe cut to his hand that sliced his flexor tendon that caused him to redshirt.
As a redshirt freshman, Walker cracked the rotation and eventually earned a start against Arizona State. He suffered a hip contusion and missed the last two games of the season. He was a special teams standout that season, notching seven tackles and ranking fourth on the team with 15 special teams points.
In 2014, Walker had his best season as a Buff, appearing in all 12 games, starting seven at nickel back. He recorded 28 tackles, 19 solo tackles and one tackle for loss. He broke up five passes.
At the end of spring practice in 2015, Walker was listed second at cornerback and nickel back on the depth chart after earning the Hale Irwin Ward presented to the most improved defensive player. But last season, Walker only played five games, notching just five tackles. The stellar student — Walker was Woodson High’s salutatorian in high school — knew he was closing in on his degree, something that would open up options for his final season of football eligibility.
“I’m a real big competitor and that was a real big thing I wanted with me transferring was making sure I was getting challenged every day,” Walker said. “I don’t want to come to a smaller conference just to have it easy. In the Pac 12, you go against the best receivers week in and week out, even in practice. There’s so much speed in the Pac 12 and the best receivers, hands down. I want to be challenged still.
“They support my situation, what I’m trying to do. They know I’m trying to make it to the next level and they told me they would give me all the opportunities and the tools I need to get to the next level. Then it will just be on me to get there. That’s what I wasn’t getting at Colorado.”
Walker is still exploring his options for what graduate program he wants to pursue. He has already taken the GRE placement exam and feels confident the results will be up to standard. He wants to work in some form of the criminal justice system after earning his master’s and all his football opportunities have been exhausted.
“Growing up, I grew up rough in an environment where I lost my father to the jail system when I was four years old,” Walker said. “Me seeing my mom with her hard work and dedication, going to college full time, working full time, that motivated me. If she can do that with two kids and be a single parent, I knew I needed to go to college and do the same.
“My mom, she has always been on me for my education because you can go out on the football field and get injured today or tomorrow and your career can be over. With that degree, you will always have that. I’m the type of guy where I don’t want to put all of my eggs in one shell. I like to have as many options open as possible. For me, I’m going to do my thing on the football field but I also want another plan because there’s life after football. I want to get that degree, make my mom proud and always have that in my back pocket in case football doesn’t work out.”
Walker lives on the other side of the country from his family but he has acclimated nicely to life in the Rocky Mountains. Although he fears predators like bears, he has no reservations about transitioning to Bozeman or performing in Bobcat Stadium.
“One thing about me is it’s going to be what it’s going to be because I practice hard enough and I put in the work to the point where it’s time to play, I’m always comfortable,” Walker said. “Playing DB, you are going to get the ball at you but I trust my technique, my skills and my God given talent. I feel like I can compete against anybody. I’m not worried about the football side at all. I’m ready to get up there as soon as possible.”
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