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Late Monday night defensive end Reggie Walker of Ponchatoula High School, in Ponchatoula Louisiana, became the fourteenth member of Kansas State's 2015 recruiting class.
Just Committed to K-State #EMAW #Wildcats #FAMILY ✊
— ✨NUMBER1⃣STAR (@__Mr_WALKER__) December 15, 2014
Walker, a 6'3", 230 lbs defensive end is rated as a three star prospect by 247sports.com, rivals.com, and ESPN.com. Both Rivals, and 247sports have Walker listed in the top 35 in the state of Louisiana, while also grading out as the 35th and 28th best at his position respectively. He also had offers from other power 5 schools, including: Arkansas, Arizona State, Florida, Kansas, LA Lafayette, LA Monroe, Memphis, Miami, Southern Miss, Texas Tech, and Tulane.
ESPN.com insider ($) projects Mr. Walker as an outside linebacker at the college level, noting the biggest challenge for Walker is the need to learn how to play from a two point stance.
Bottom Line: Walker is a strong, productive football player who most likely will need time and a red shirt year to learn coverage skills while becoming comfortable playing out of a two point stance.
After watching his hudl.com highlights, I have to disagree with ESPN's conclusion that Walker is destined to play outside linebacker at the collegiate level. I don't see him dropping into coverage much at the next level and I think forcing him to do so would negate his true strength, getting after the QB.
Walker demonstrates a quickness off the ball, and an ability to chase down quarterbacks. He plays the zone-read very well, which in the Big 12 is a strong plus for defensive ends. He shows lateral quickness and an ability to flatten down the line, while not allowing the ball carrier to get into space. He's a sure tackler, which is shown in his ability to limit a ball carriers yards after contact. Watching his highlight film he reminds me of a Von Miller type player.
Overall, Walker's highlights have impressed me more than any player I have covered/watched while writing these recruiting recaps and if he stays with Kansas State he could turn out to be the steal of the 2015 class. Check his highlights out below and let me know what you think.