Every school in the country wanted to sign John Walker out of Osceola High School in the Class of 2023, but the defensive tackle stayed in Orlando to be a Hometown Hero.
Learning the ropes behind Ricky Barber and Lee Hunter, Walker earned immediate playing time as a freshman and would go on to earn Freshman All-American honors.
We caught up with Walker following a recent spring practice.
He called his freshman season a "learning experience" going up against higher-level players.
The first Big 12 game at Kansas State was when it really hit him. "I really like dang, I play in the Big 12. That when it really struck me."
The goal this year is to improve from last year. Work on the little things, like his get off and hand placement.
Walker says it's cool playing with fellow Hometown Heroes, like Kaven Call, Nikai Martinez and Braeden Marshall.
His favorite moment from last year was playing in great atmospheres. He started feel more comfortable towards the end of the season.
Walker and Derrick LeBlanc have been friends since elementary school and they played on the same DL at Osceola. LeBlanc initially went to Oklahoma, but transferred to UCF last summer and will be eligible to play this fall. He's excited to play with him again.
His goals this year are to win the Big 12 Championship. Personally, he wants to be an All-American again.
He now weighs 299 pounds and is trying to get to 305.
Asked about this year's schedule, Walker says he was a Florida fan growing up so it'll be cool to play them in that atmosphere. He got rid of his UF gear when he committed to UCF. He was asked about UF fans being upset that he went to UCF, but he acknowledged he was more irritated by Ohio State fans who said his mom made the decision for him. He didn't recall much hate from UF fans.
He's been impressed with freshman CB Chasen Johnson. He's also impressed with center Waltclaire Flynn, who asked to workout with Walker prior to spring practice to get accustomed going up against DTs. "You can tell he really wants it."
