The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/402034
PREP PROFILES One of the top prospects in the na- tion for the 2016 class, Wayne (N.J.) De Paul Catholic running back Ka- reem Walker has interest from just about every big-time program in the country. Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Ohio State and Wisconsin are just a few that have already shown interest in the 6-1, 210-pounder. However, Walker is worried more about the remainder of his junior season on the gridiron. "Right now, I'm not really too fo- cused on recruiting," he said. "When the time comes, I just want to feel like it's home. I want to feel the same vibe I get when I'm in school or on the football field here at De Paul. I want the coaches to be unique and to really care about me. "I plan on waiting the whole thing out, even after the All-American game. I plan on waiting until sign- ing day." Walker is versatile enough to play in any offense, but may excel best in a one-back pro-style attack. "Walker has a fantastic mix of size and speed," Rivals.com Mid-Atlan- tic recruiting analyst Adam Fried- man said. "It is easy to see why he is ranked as the top running back in the 2016 class. Walker can move ex- plosively through the hole at times, and there is no doubt he is very dif- ficult for the defense to bring down." Michigan is one program that has made an impact on Walker. He's close with another North Jersey five- star in Michigan freshman Jabrill Peppers. Walker would like to make the trip out to Ann Arbor to see his friend in action and see what U-M is all about. Fortunately, the Wolverines' strug- gles on the field early in the 2014 season won't impact his opinion of the program too negatively. In fact, it could be a selling point for the Mich- igan coaching staff. "I think every team will struggle. Every team will have the ups and downs," Walker noted. "The coaches can only call the plays so long, and eventually the players have to get out an execute. I see a team that's struggling as an opportunity to play early." With his blend of size and athleti- cism, Walker is just the sort of back Michigan needs in the 2016 class. — Tim Sullivan New Jersey Back Will Visit U-M After The Season ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ D e Paul Catholic High School Wayne, N.J. Class: 2016 Position: Running Back Ht.: 6-1 • Wt.: 210 Rivals.com Rankings: No. 2 player in New Jersey, No. 1 running back nation- ally and No. 11 overall player in the country Kareem Walker