Recruiting Interview: QB Byron Walker, Sulphur High School
by Jace LeJeune
Sulphur QB Byron Walker may not be the biggest guy on the field but boy is he fast. Byron Walker is probably the fastest QB in the state and that even includes Lowell Narcisse (St. James). That would be a great race to watch between those guys ,but Walker is not just a running quarterback. He is a throwing quarterback that can run. Walker has a cannon for an arm and can throw it anywhere on the field . He can scramble and extend plays while still looking down the field trying to throw to a wide receiver. Walker has great pocket presence and knows when to run with the football. Byron Walker can also run the zone read effectively and is slippery to tackle. Our recruiting guru Lee Brecheen says that this might not only be the fastest QB in the state but one of the fastest football players in general in the state. “Byron Walker runs like a powerful runningback and has a cannon arm, ” Brecheen said. “This offense is going to be hard to stop with Walker at quarterback.” If there is one thing that hurts Byron Walker, it’s his height but size doesn’t mean anything if you can play the game of football. There are many quarterbacks 6’0 or under that had success at the NFL level in Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints) and Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks). Maybe one day, Byron Walker will be added to that list. Read more about the Sulphur quarterback as he talks about the upcoming season, who he is looking forward to play the most, an interesting fact about himself, and so much more in today’s recruiting interview!
Byron Walker (5) doing what he does best and that is making plays with his feet.
LAFM: What is your name, age, and position?
My name is Byron Walker, I’m 17, and I’m the quarterback at Sulphur High School.
LAFM: What is your height and weight?
5’ 11”, 188 lbs.
LAFM: What is your GPA and ACT score?
3.6, Taking the ACT in September
LAFM: What is your 40 yard time and bench press?
40: 4.58, BP: 275
LAFM: What were your stats and accomplishments on the field from last year?
I had 1,452 passing yds, 974 rushing yards, and 28 TDs. I was All-State Honorable Mention QB, All Southwest, 1st Team All-District, Offensive player of the week 5x and the Nick Farris Offensive MVP.
LAFM: Did you attend any football camps over the summer? If so, where?
I attended the Tulane camp that took place at Sulphur High this summer, I also attended The Opening.
LAFM: Did you receive any offers from any colleges? If so, where?
I received offers from Army, Southeastern University, Southern University, and The Citadel.
LAFM: How has the recruiting process been for you?
I would say that it has been fairly smooth. I have been blessed with 4 offers and I still have several schools looking at me. I’m excited for my Sr. year season and see where it takes me.
LAFM: What advice would you give to your teammates about the process?
I would definitely say to them to be patient, never stop working hard to reach your goals. You never really know when they will start calling but trust that someone is always watching you work.
LAFM: Last year, the team played tough in a really tough schedule against teams like Brother Martin, Zachary, Barbe, Lafayette, Sam Houston, and managed to go 5-6 and go to the playoffs. What is the next step for the team this year?
Our goal this year is to win it all. We really feel that our losses from last year could have been wins. Our team has grown. We have a strong team returning and we have improved on defense and offense. We have great expectations to go to the dome.
LAFM: How big is getting J’Cobi Skinner back for this offense? Who else do you think will step up in the offense?
Getting J’Cobi back is huge for us. He’s a strong weapon for our offense. When the running game is working, it opens up opportunities for our passing game and our receivers to showcase their skill. I’m expecting to see Glenn Willis on the field more. He will definitely step up; he’s got great speed and is an asset to our running game.
LAFM: What are your strengths and weaknesses at the position?
Strengths: I’m a 3rd year returning starter. I know my offense and I know where everyone should be at. I wouldn’t call this a weakness but I’m always working on my passing game. The goal is always to be more precise and make quick decisions under pressure.
LAFM: Who is the best quarterback in the state besides yourself and why?
Thank you for the compliment. I don’t really place focus on anyone specifically. I prefer to stay focused on how I can get better to help my team.
LAFM: What college or NFL quarterback do you compare yourself to and why?
I compare myself to Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks Pro Bowl QB) because his height compares to mine. He is quick on his feet and makes good decisions with the ball. He has good pocket presence and he’s accurate in his passing game and on the move.
LAFM: What was your best game at Sulphur and why?
The game against Brother Martin was my most complete game rushing and passing.
LAFM: What is the team on the schedule that you are looking forward to playing the most?
Barbe. That’s a game our team looks forward to every year.
LAFM: What is an interesting fact about yourself that nobody else knows about?
I’m left handed but throw with my right. I’m also the 3rd of 7 sons but I think that is something more people are finding out about.
LAFM: Who are some people that you need to thank for putting you in this position that you are in today?
My parents and family because they’ve made many sacrifices to see me succeed and help me reach my goals. All my coaches have also played a huge part in my success. I especially want to thank Coach Wainwright for believing in me as a young sophomore to help lead my team. Coach Reed has also been a great mentor to me.
LAFM: Is there anybody in your family that has played high school, college, or even pro football? If so, who are they and where did they play?
My father played high school ball and received many All-State recognition, my brother (Brian Walker) is the slot receiver for McNeese State, and my uncle (Clarence Walker) played for the Denver Broncos.
LAFM: What separates you from any quarterback in the state?
I’d like to say that even when I’m under pressure, I stay cool, calm and collected. I’m comfortable with being uncomfortable. I consider myself a true dual threat on the field.
