Darius Walker

[jiggafini19]

Credit Tim Prister for this tidbit of information:

Walker will pass Julius Jones with his next 116 yards. He likely won't reach Ferguson until 2007. He currently trails Ferguson by 569 yards.

In order to catch Pinkett, who had 4,131 yards rushing, Walker would need to average 76.2 yards per game over his final 16 games in a Notre Dame uniform. In order to catch Denson, who had 4,318 yards rushing, Walker would need to average 88.4 yards per game over his final 16 games in a Notre Dame uniform.

 

[scooper]

Let's start by going for 150 against Army, 100 against USC and 80 (along with 80 receiving) in a rematch with Michigan in Glendale.

I wonder where he stands for yards from scrimmage (rushing and receiving) for a RB at ND. Or for RB's and WR's for that matter. He has to be up there.

 

[jiggafini19]

I think he passes Julius Jones Saturday. Easily.

 

[tommy]

so i take it you guys think he will come back

 

[scooper]

so i take it you guys think he will come back

Yes, he'll be back.

 

[tommy]

more of a wants to stay more then he wants to go or he probably wont go high .

 

[irish4ever]

so i take it you guys think he will come back

Yes, he'll be back.

If he's smart he will!

 

[FleaFlicker]

I know I'll probably get blasted for this, but do we really want him to come back? I say yes, but I hope that next year it isn't just like "One running back, always" mentallity. Other teams like OSU, Clemson, Nebraska, do a great job of using multiple RBs, in their setups.

 

[scooper]

I know I'll probably get blasted for this, but do we really want him to come back? I say yes, but I hope that next year it isn't just like "One running back, always" mentallity. Other teams like OSU, Clemson, Nebraska, do a great job of using multiple RBs, in their setups.

Yes, we absolutely want him to come back.

But I agree with your premise that getting more guys involved would be good. I hope the O-line and the young RB's are ready to step up, because the QB and the WR's will be very very green. The running game could possibly take center stage in 07. It will be great to have a productive vet like DW. But he may need some help.

 

[jiggafini19]

Once Brady Quinn leaves, you want the guy that knows just as much about this offense to go with him?

DW would have zero business turning pro right now.

 

[Stealingshrimp]

DW will be successful in the NFL

















if the players are on strike

 

[scooper]

Stealingshrimp will write something worthwhile



























If he posts on a kindergartener's Barney and friends blog.

 

[wheeler418]

DW will be back, but most teams D will be keying on him next year as our star player. DW will be picking up the blitz more next year as teams will try to get to our young QB through our young OL. He is a big need next year for more then just running alone! IMO

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

so i take it you guys think he will come back

I can't imagine him leaving early. He would be lucky to get picked up in the first 5 rounds of the draft as it stands. If he improves and has a tremendous Senior season he has a shot at going in the 2nd-4th rounds.

But he won't leave early since he's not considered a "hot commodity" nor does he have his degree yet. (he started as a True Freshman remember...)

 

[njuneardave]

i think a lot of Irish fans take Darius Walker for granted. I see alot of DW bashing this year, but honestly, 95% of the blame goes to the horrid play of the O-Line -- that thing is a sieve. I know our O-Line goes out and gives their all every game, but it's simply lacking in production this year. Darius can not be blamed for loss of yards most times b/c he is getting hit just as he gets the ball and/or lanes are ALWAYS seemingly closed. I think the fan base needs to give him a break. He has been an EXCEPTIONAL leader for this team throughout his first three years. Look at his numbers... they speak for themselves. He's asserting himself in the record books of Notre Dame... the most storied program of all time. He's taken a lot of flaming this year, but the man is a great back. I hope he gets his shot at the NFL....he certainly deserves it. His production has been more than any of us could've ever asked for when we first saw him play. I know he doesn't have breakaway speed, but he has carried us to multiple victories the past 3 years -- he was the only sturdy offensive weapon we had before Charlie.

That being said, I am certain DWalk will be back next year. As others have said, he wouldn't go high in the NFL draft because he isn't as naturally gifted (fast) as other backs. Honestly, though, I'm happy he is on our team, and I hope he breaks the Irish rushing records.

 

[FleaFlicker]

I really like DW. I think he is a really solid back overall. God knows we will need his experience on the team next year. My only point in saying, "Do we want him back?" is that I feel we should give some of out other RB's a chance as well.

And I also agree that it's not like he has had a perfect offensive line to run behind the last couple of years, and his numbers have still been pretty good. It's just that in his 4 years, has he ever broken a run of over 40-45 yards? I think he his longest run of the year was 38 yds against Air Force this past Saturday, and before that, his longest was like 20 yards.

He is consistent, but just doesn't have the capability to really be a force to reckon with. Defenses aren't scared of him, because he isn't a big play threat like an Adrian Peterson, or Reggie Bush.

I love how complete he is though. If he could just be more aggressive and have a quicker step to the Line of scrimmage, he would be near perfect. Aldridge looks great too though, and I hope he gets some more meaningful playing time next year.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

i think a lot of Irish fans take Darius Walker for granted. I see alot of DW bashing this year, but honestly, 95% of the blame goes to the horrid play of the O-Line -- that thing is a sieve. I know our O-Line goes out and gives their all every game, but it's simply lacking in production this year. Darius can not be blamed for loss of yards most times b/c he is getting hit just as he gets the ball and/or lanes are ALWAYS seemingly closed. I think the fan base needs to give him a break. He has been an EXCEPTIONAL leader for this team throughout his first three years. Look at his numbers... they speak for themselves. He's asserting himself in the record books of Notre Dame... the most storied program of all time. He's taken a lot of flaming this year, but the man is a great back. I hope he gets his shot at the NFL....he certainly deserves it. His production has been more than any of us could've ever asked for when we first saw him play. I know he doesn't have breakaway speed, but he has carried us to multiple victories the past 3 years -- he was the only sturdy offensive weapon we had before Charlie.

That being said, I am certain DWalk will be back next year. As others have said, he wouldn't go high in the NFL draft because he isn't as naturally gifted (fast) as other backs. Honestly, though, I'm happy he is on our team, and I hope he breaks the Irish rushing records.

I don't think people take him for granted...I simply think your last point about his gifts are the area of concern.

He's a great pass blocker.
He's great at picking up the blitz.
He's a wonderful receiver.
He is truly all-day tough...the guy never seems to get injured!
He's a SLOW runner.

When people grade RB's they focus most on the RB's ability to gain lots of yards and force teams to adjust for their abililties. DW does not scare defenses, but he DOES play his part in the other part of the offense as well as anyone could hope.

As I pointed out in a previous post though, his breaking the records is more due to his amount of carries and time in position than his break-away abilities.

He reminds me a LOT of Autry Denson. Shifty, smart, and slow. However, is Autry had the # of carries that Walker had, his lifetime yardage would be higher since he had a higher average.

When you talk about Ferguson though...his life-time average was 5.2 yds/carry and at this same point in his career (as compared to DQ) he was at around 3300 yards, not 2900.

In fact, in terms of total yardage versus carries... DW has more carries than all but 3 runners at ND. Thus proving his toughness, but also showing how the stats are skewed.

Walker: 2,903 yards on 633 carries (4.57 yds/carry)
Jones: 3,018 yards on 634 carries (4.8 yds/carry - Jones' senior season was tremendous at 5.5)
Ferguson: 3,472 yards on 673 carries (5.2 yds/carry)
Denson: 4,318 yards on 854 carries (5.0 yds/carry)
Pinket: 4,131 yards on 889 carries (4.6 avg)

Walker has had it a bit easier in some ways since teams focus in on the pass more so than the run. He has had it a bit tougher this year since the line blows. However, Julius Jones had that issue to an extent too...

 

[kjones]

I would say that the Air Force game showed how much the O-Line has to bear the responsibility for DW's struggles this year. I'm sure everyone noticed how it seemed like DW was hitting the holes a lot harder this game. What seemed apparent to me though was the fact that there were holes to hit! I just have been peeved this year when he's been criticized for "dancing" instead of hitting non-existant holes. I think seeing this last games makes it more apparent that he hits hard when they're there, and is just trying to make things happen when the O-Line gets beat.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

I would say that the Air Force game showed how much the O-Line has to bear the responsibility for DW's struggles this year. I'm sure everyone noticed how it seemed like DW was hitting the holes a lot harder this game. What seemed apparent to me though was the fact that there were holes to hit! I just have been peeved this year when he's been criticized for "dancing" instead of hitting non-existant holes. I think seeing this last games makes it more apparent that he hits hard when they're there, and is just trying to make things happen when the O-Line gets beat.

Well, the dancing thing is not just THIS year. He always had that silly little shake-and-bake move that would get him leveled everytime it seems...since the day he started.

HOWEVER, you are right that the O-Line is not as good this year and it does affect DW's output.

 

[kjones]

Well, the dancing thing is not just THIS year. He always had that silly little shake-and-bake move that would get him leveled everytime it seems...since the day he started.

HOWEVER, you are right that the O-Line is not as good this year and it does affect DW's output.

I just meant that the "Shake and bake" only really comes out when there's no hole to hit. He's just trying to make something happen. When the hole is there (air force) he's looking like he hits it hard.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

I just meant that the "Shake and bake" only really comes out when there's no hole to hit. He's just trying to make something happen. When the hole is there (air force) he's looking like he hits it hard.

Well, he also does it when he's running straight at someone...which is why he never gets break away runs. It stops all his momentum forward. Then the D players swoop on him. I never really noticed it until the end of last year...

 

[njuneardave]

when you say end of last year, i think about Stanford. DWalk was money. He came up HUGE in the time we needed him most. We don't need him to pad his stats with gaudy numbers against inferior teams. He has been nothing but "clutch" when given the chance in a tight game. I can't think of a time that he has made a costly mistake that cost us a game (correct me if I am wrong), but I can think of numerous times he's stepped in there and basically won the game for us in spite of other deficiencies

 

[FleaFlicker]

when you say end of last year, i think about Stanford. DWalk was money. He came up HUGE in the time we needed him most. We don't need him to pad his stats with gaudy numbers against inferior teams. He has been nothing but "clutch" when given the chance in a tight game. I can't think of a time that he has made a costly mistake that cost us a game (correct me if I am wrong), but I can think of numerous times he's stepped in there and basically won the game for us in spite of other deficiencies

I agree, not only games like GT this year, and Stanford, last year.... he has helped us win a few, and is a great back. And he also hasn't lost us the game with crucial mistakes. That is for sure.

But let's be honest, he isn't dynamic, he is a "meat and potatoes" back. I love how he has helped ND, I hope he comes back next year, and I'm sure he will...

But in terms of hitting the holes... great RUNNING backs know when to be patient, and know when to punch a tiny whole that may close up. Part of this is his speed, I'm not sure what his 40 is, but I'd say it is 4.6-4.7. Not bad, but not enough to outrun anyone.

Just compare how long it takes him to get to the line of scrimmage, compared to other successful running backs. He gets there almost a full half-second later. He is pretty evasive, and can run through a big whole when it is there, but he can't make much out of a decent line, he won't break away for a TD, he won't turn NOTHING into a 10-15 yards gain. He often turns a -3 into a no gain, but RUNNING backs can do better than that in my opinion. Everything else is great, I just wish he was a step faster and quite a bit more aggresive.

 

[dankus]

With all this discussion of Darius Walker coming back, I'm surprised no one has mentioned Aldridge possibly sharing the reps with him next year. With Aldridge one year in the program, his skill should improve, and who is to say he won't become a complement or even supplant Walker next year in the lineup?

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

when you say end of last year, i think about Stanford. DWalk was money. He came up HUGE in the time we needed him most. We don't need him to pad his stats with gaudy numbers against inferior teams. He has been nothing but "clutch" when given the chance in a tight game. I can't think of a time that he has made a costly mistake that cost us a game (correct me if I am wrong), but I can think of numerous times he's stepped in there and basically won the game for us in spite of other deficiencies

Yeah, the whole team is actually filled with clutch players. Weis has really given that mentality life. Just watching Samarzdija LAUGHING on the sidelines when ND was down a score to UCLA with one drive to go...that speaks volumes. Confidence. Pure confidence.

I agree that Walker is clutch in many ways.

However, let's be honest, if you could take all of his abilities and then make him a top15 RUNNER-RB...he would be the complete package.

I agree that Stanford was quite a moment, but then I think back over the course of this year and saw a few times when his slowness cost us many potential yards...some scores would not have been so close.

The best thing you can say about Darius is the he is well-rounded and plays SMART football. How many times has he put the ball the ground? So FEW its hard to remember. How many times has he gotten open in the flat to be an escape valve receiver? So MANY it's hard to remember.

I know people think I am always busting on him...but honestly, I love DW...he's a great kid and a solid team player. I just wish he was faster so opposing Defenses respected our running game.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

With all this discussion of Darius Walker coming back, I'm surprised no one has mentioned Aldridge possibly sharing the reps with him next year. With Aldridge one year in the program, his skill should improve, and who is to say he won't become a complement or even supplant Walker next year in the lineup?

He might. Prince might. It's so hard to say. He has seen such limited time right now that it's really hard to speculate what next year will look like.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

But in terms of hitting the holes... great RUNNING backs know when to be patient, and know when to punch a tiny whole that may close up. Part of this is his speed, I'm not sure what his 40 is, but I'd say it is 4.6-4.7. Not bad, but not enough to outrun anyone.

We saw that at the Air Force game. He busted through a HUGE hole...and then 3 Air Force guys caught him FROM BEHIND...and he was running all out downfield.

Dude, when 3 AF players catch you from behind that's a big note to self that your speed is a bit in question.

 

[TexasDomer]

Actually, the AFA has some pretty good team speed in the secondary and LB corps--par for the course at the academies. Their entire game is speed and execution.

 

[gboroirish]

darius walker kinda reminds me of curtis martin. no?

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

Actually, the AFA has some pretty good team speed in the secondary and LB corps--par for the course at the academies. Their entire game is speed and execution.

Yeah...and like Holtz says NEVER UNDERESTIMATE HOW POWERFUL ARMY CAN BE!!!

"Good" speed should not be > ND Speed at RB