Alcorn State running back Arnold Walker was named SWAC Co-Offensive Player of The Year. (The Advocate photo) |
Arnold Walker, Alcorn State
Walker had an up and down career at Alcorn State, ending it with a bang. The Atlanta native had a banner 2013 season, rushing for nearly 1,200 yards while averaging over 5 yards per carry and rushing for 16 touchdowns. He also showed ability as a pass catcher, averaging over 13 yards per carry on his 13 receptions on the season.
Walker has the size to be a pro back at 6’0, 220 pounds. He makes the most out of that size with tough, physical play at the point of attack. Walker doesn’t shy away from contact, but he doesn’t absorb a lot of unnecessary hits.
VOTE Arnold Walker to win the C Spire Conerly Trophy! Click here>> http://t.co/qX26AIzcyK pic.twitter.com/LjswwBii6u
– Alcorn State (@AlcornStateU) November 26, 2013
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Like most SWAC players, his biggest hurdle to overcome will be the level of competition he faced regularly. Walker had seven 100 + yard games, including six in a row at one point, but he rushed for just 23 yards against Mississippi State. Still, given the talent gap between his offensive line and the MSU defensive line, that’s to be expected.
Unfortunately for Walker, he comes along at a time where running backs don’t have much value in the NFL Draft, especially coming from a small school. Running a sub-4.6 40-yard dash would definitely help his case. Don’t be surprised if Walker winds up as a nice bargain for some team in training camp.
Best case scenario: Undrafted Free Agent
Worst case scenario: Tryout