October 26, 2011

2013 star Walker thrives on both sides

By Admin

It has been a quick turnaround for Loyola football. Last year was the Cubs first season under Head Coach Michael Christensen and the transition was rough. The tradition rich Cubs went 0-4 in Serra League play en route to a 3-7 season that was marred by injuries to key players and an embarrassing 41-7 loss in the season's final game against Crespi. 

What a difference a year makes. After a 3-0 start Loyola established themselves as legit contenders in Southern Section with a 28-14 win over St. John Bosco in September and have already doubled their win total from last season after last Friday's 27-14 victory over Notre Dame put them at 6-1 on the season. The Cubs are a complete team, explosive on offense with the ability to both run and pass and dominating on defense. While senior stars Chaz Anderson (Boise State commit) and Kodi Whitfield (Stanford commit) are the leaders of a strong senior class, plenty of juniors have stepped up to help bolster the resurgence of Cub football. Perhaps one of the most important of those 2013 players is two way star Cameron Walker.

Walker plays both defensive back and running back for Loyola and has been given the opposition nightmares on both ends. The 5'11 175 pound Walker is a bruising runner who does a great job of hitting the open lane quickly. He has nice field vision and can break enough tackles to turn short runs into big plays. Walker has carried it 68 times for 402 yards this (5.9 a carry) while being very reliable near the goaline and cashing in six touchdowns. 

While Walker has had success as a running back, he is a fantastic corner with legitimate D1 potential at the position. Walker does a great job of being physical with receivers at the line and his guy really wears down over the course of the game. He has the top end speed to keep up with pretty much anyone and his change of direction and hip fluidity has really improved.

"I like playing corner more then running back because I guess I like hitting people more then I like getting hit," Walker laughed. "I'm being recruited more as a defensive back too. I don't have any offers yet but I've really started getting a lot of letters lately. UCLA, Oregon, Virginia, Fresno State and Northern Arizona are the schools I've been hearing from most," Walker said. 

While Walker has immense Division 1 potential, he says he has greatly benefited from being able to go up against two guys (Anderson and Whitfield) who are D1 bound.

"Practicing against those guys is so difficult so when you get to the game it's not so bad," Walker said. "I've learned so much from Chaz with him being a corner and having to cover a wide receiver like Kodi in practice, it just gives you great experience on a day-to-day basis," Walker said. 

For now, Walker is focused on Loyola finishing the season strong, as the Cubs continue Serra league play Friday with a game at Bishop Amat. 

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