Deion Walker: Can he become a real player?!?!?

[jonesman]

As we approach the 2011 Spring Football season, ND's lack of depth at DB have forced Kelly to raid the WR corp. Because of this, there is actually a fairly thin group at WR. When you look at who is returning, ND has really only two upperclassmen with playing time. Those two are Michael Floyd and John Goodman. One guy is an all-american and the other is a guy who we all thought might be another Shark, but is definitley not.

I am making an assumption above that Riddick is making a transition of some kind back to RB. In my opinion, I see Kelly using him at both this year. With that said, here are the guys you can see being the starting three at the beginning of spring:
WR: Floyd
SR: TJ Jones
WR: Goodman

The second string to start will be:
WR: Smith
SR: Toma
WR: Walker

I did not include Collinsworth in this group because I am not sure yet if Kelly is going to move him to DB.

When I look at this, I am a bit concerned about the guy who plays opposite Floyd. I am not bashing Goodman, but he does not put any fear in a defense. The kid has average speed and just has not shown any real flashes. So, I see two possibilites on the roster. One is for Daniel Smith, who I really think will become a player. He has great size and can leap.

The other is DEION WALKER!! We have all heard about how this kid is just not getting it, but I am really really hoping this kid can come to life in 2011. He has the physical skills, the size and speed to create mismatches. The question is: Does he want it bad enough?? If I were him, I would be giving 150% effort on everything this year. The roster is there for him to make a move.

In Conclusion. Deion, I hope you read these boards and will get your A$$ hard to work and become the player we all envisioned when you came to ND!! NOW is your time.

 

[KPENN]

No I don't think he will. And in all honesty Atkinson and Daniels will probably be ahead of him on the depth chart. If he hasn't figured it out yet he never will. I'll be beyond shocked if he contributes on the field this year

 

[Ironman8]

I can see TJ having a big second year, and Daniel Smith really stepping up. I won't hold my breathe waiting on Deion, but it would be great for us and him if he put it together this year - he certainly has all the tools.

 

[InKellyITrust]

Maybe Daniel Smith can make a move for a starting spot by the fall. BUT if Riddick remains in the slot then TJ is at the other starting spot which sounds much better.

 

[Old Man Mike]

If Riddick is really moved out of the slot, I'll be stunned. Starting three: Floyd/Jones/Riddick. Next three: Goodman [plenty good enough to spell these guys]/ Toma [way underrated as a sub]/ Daniel Smith or Davarius Daniels [one or both of which will be a major help]. My view of our receiving corps is that like many other areas on this roster, we are L-O-A-D-E-D. --- add: AtkinsonIII plus Eifert/Ragone/Welch/Koyack...Lord, please give me a Quarterback!!!

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Mark it down on 3/10/2011 at 5:17 pm Eastern time I stated that: Deion Walker is going to explode onto the scene this year and be a big time player!

 

[BestBIrish47]

The number 1 has not been kind in recent years to Notre Dame Wideouts.... remember DJ Hord? I hope it doesn't carry over to OLB... just sayin

 

[irishpat183]

Yeah really....What the hell happend to Deion?

And for those defending the likes of Toma, Smith, Goodman...etc. Come on. Take off the Irish goggles! I love those guys too, but they're not turining any heads.

We need another big play maker. Jones will be solid as a slot, and Daniels is going to be a stud as well, but he's young. We need that solid #2 guy. Not just guys that we all THINK will be good because we're ND fans.

I'll put my money on Riddick. That is, if he stays at WR.

 

[Ironman8]

While we are on the topic of a senior breaking out to be a real player, my biggest hope for the year is that Filer can break out and finally utilize his immense talents and lockdown (and excel in) the Dog linebacker position. If that happens, it will allow for two solidified outside spots with Shembo, Fox, Spond, Ishaq, Councell rotating in when appropriate.

 

[Irish Insanity]

Mark it down on 3/10/2011 at 5:17 pm Eastern time I stated that: Deion Walker is going to explode onto the scene this year and be a big time player!

Sorry but I believe the little box above your name states 5:16 p.m. (I am ignorant on Deion Walker so I figured I'd add something useless to the thread!)

 

[TerryTate]

 

[Riddickulous]

Sums up my thoughts, as well.

 

[GreatGolson]

^so since Ridickulous has said it, it shall be the opposite. expect an incredible year from deion

 

[irishfan]

He has the talent to emerge as the Nwanko of the receivers. I don't think he will, but I hope he steps it up this year. As many have pointed out, Floyd/Riddick/Jones seem to be the starters and Toma/Goodman have proved they can be put in the game as serviceable backups. Could come down to Walker/Smith/Daniels/Atkinson for the last spot in the 2-deep. Wouldn't be that big of a shock if he stepped it up and locked down that spot. I remember the opener in '09 when he caught that pass from Crist at the beginning of the 4th quarter. Thought he was primed for big things...

 

[NDty9]

I like the Floyd/TJ/ Riddick combo as well.... And I agree DaVaris is going to be good!..but I just have a feeling about GA3. I think he may turn out to be the stud WR we need opposite Floyd! Can't waitttt to see him on the field.

 

[GoldenIsThyFame]

The number 1 has not been kind in recent years to Notre Dame Wideouts.... remember DJ Hord? I hope it doesn't carry over to OLB... just sayin

Who?

Predicted D. Walker 2011 Stats: 8 catches, 63 yds, 0 TDs

 

[irish1958]

Wasn't Derrick Mayes number one?

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Wasn't Derrick Mayes number one?

Yes

 

[irishpat183]

Wasn't Derrick Mayes number one?

Yeah...Also the last one that was any good.

 

[IrishLax]

Does Riddick stay in the slot? That is the big question. If he does expect the WRs to be Floyd, Riddick and TJ. TJ showed glimpses of brilliance last year but also some freshman mistakes and kinda wore down as the season progressed. If he takes a step forward (as all players should) in his second year I don't see any way that is not our starting 3.

If TJ moves inside to slot I'd expect a pretty open competition between DaVaris, GAIII, Goodman, Walker and whoever else wants to put their name in the hat. The chances of Walker winning that competition? Who knows.......

 

[hrc08]

Riddick is not going to rb. Slot is "the" position in Kelly's offense.

 

[Rocket89]

It's amazing that in a (relative) pass-happy offense that Walker didn't even touch the field as a junior.

At this point we should probably turn this thread into a vbuck betting pool on the odds he comes back for a fifth year in 2012.

 

[Rack Em]

I know everybody here is eager to jump on Deion for not seeing the field yet in his ND career, but I just want to add something beyond what everybody has said so far. I know this thread is about his football abilities, but Deion's not a "typical" football player here; I know him personally. He doesn't just hang around with the other football players and female athletes. He actually goes out of his way to meet other people. He also doesn't live with other football players, like most do.

Basically the guy doesn't define himself by the jersey he wears and I'm happy to consider him a friend. I hope things to click for him and he gets to see significant playing time. But even if he doesn't, you all should be proud of having him as a representative of this football team and this university. I am.

 

[irish1958]

It is hard for another receiver to step up if the QB's first three options are Floyd, Floyd and if Floyd isn't open, throw it to him anyway as he probably can beat 99% of CBs.
Check some of the replays; Jones was often way open and sometimes alone but the ball went to Floyd.

 

[IrishMoore1]

I heard Deion is simply just lazy. He doesn't want to work hard and earn playing time.

 

[tommyIRISH23]

I picked walker to be a breakout player on another thread. I've got a feeling he'll make a move, he's got the oppurtunity.

 

[Riddickulous]

I heard Deion is simply just lazy. He doesn't want to work hard and earn playing time.

This is pretty much what I've heard, as well.

 

[irish1958]

This is pretty much what I've heard, as well.

I doubt it.
Here is an interesting aside I heard from one of the Notre Dame coaches (not a FB coach).
When Paul Horung was the end all of the team, there was a running back named Green who was lightening fast, and, in fact, was a star on the track team. His running style was beautiful, compact, and performed with no wasted motion.
The football coaches were always on him for not trying and being lazy, in spite of the fact that he was the fastest man on the team and always had the best 40's.
Well Green was also very smart, so what he did was to let Hornung beat him while he flailed about and acted breathless after the sprints.
The coaches got off his back and praised his effort.

 

[Irish in Hudson]

My daughter goes to South Carolina (now my second favorite school) and I met a young man there that played on the same high school with Dion--this was two years ago. I wondered at the time why he wasn't playing. I was advised he is a phenomenal athlete (as most ND kids are) but the knock was always that he just wasn't that bright. Take it for what it's worth as I believe ND has smart athletes and I'm sure Dion is no exception--maybe even sour grapes, but that's what I heard. Perhaps Charlie's offense was too much to grasp, and I assume the current version is complex as well.

 

[irishtrain]

I know everybody here is eager to jump on Deion for not seeing the field yet in his ND career, but I just want to add something beyond what everybody has said so far. I know this thread is about his football abilities, but Deion's not a "typical" football player here; I know him personally. He doesn't just hang around with the other football players and female athletes. He actually goes out of his way to meet other people. He also doesn't live with other football players, like most do.

Basically the guy doesn't define himself by the jersey he wears and I'm happy to consider him a friend. I hope things to click for him and he gets to see significant playing time. But even if he doesn't, you all should be proud of having him as a representative of this football team and this university. I am.

Great stuff and thanks for the heads up on his life skills education experience-we still want him and Filer dealing this fall if they can make it happen. Filer must get something out of this last year and maybe Dion can see some passes thrown his way. Still they are Notre Dame men and we are proud.