Although he is just a senior at Gonzaga High School in Reston, Va., Rob Walker has his sights set on several goals when he eventually steps foot on the Athens campus.
As one of the top prep football stars in Washington D.C., Walker committed to Ohio this past summer and is the top commit in Ohio’s 2014 recruiting class, according to recruiting site 247sports.com.
“Ohio is an ideal school for a player like me because they have a very dynamic offense that I feel that I'd fit in to very well,” Walker said. “When I visited in the summer I loved the feeling I got around campus and in Athens.”
Walker has help lead his Gonzaga squad to a 3-2 record to begin the season, including wins against traditional high school powers Cocoa High School (Cocoa, Fla.) and Our Lady of Good Counsel (Olney, Md.).
“I’m coming into a winning program like Ohio, I’m going to have to earn every minute I get on game day. Just being a contributor is be a big goal for me when I get there,” he said.
Walker is labeled as an “all-purpose back” according to the several recruiting websites. His athleticism and wide-range of talents, however, will allow him to assist Ohio at any aspect of the game as early as his freshman year.
“I don't know if I’ll play right away or anything, but I've been told I’ll have an opportunity on special teams as a return specialist,” Walker said. “My goals at Ohio are to be a playmaker on offense and special teams. Just like anyone else I'd love to come in and play early.”
“On the offensive side of the ball, they have playmakers so nothing will be given to me. I'll have to earn everything minute I get.”
Walker leads a group of prospects that is on track to be a stellar Ohio recruiting class, although National Signing Day is more than four months away.
“I've spoken to most of the other commits through Twitter. I feel like we are gonna be a close group,” said Walker, who committed to the Bobcats over offers from Wake Forest and Ball State.
“As for ratings, I try not to buy into that too much. It's great to be rated as high as I am, but the only thing that matter is what you do when the lights come on.”
All in all, Walker credits the Ohio coaching staff for what led to his mid-July commitment.
“I love all the coaches, they are a big part of what brings me to Ohio. They were upfront and honest throughout my recruiting process, and there isn't much more you can ask for than honesty.”
The 5-foot-9, 175-pound athlete plans on officially visiting Ohio for their matchup against Mid-American Conference rival Kent State on Nov. 19.
sk825212@ohiou.edu
@SKwiatkowski247
