Darius Walker

[irishfan]

With around 150 total yards in the 1st half last night, it makes you wonder if Walker can put up those numbers more consistently next year. With a new quarterback, and no star receivers, what type of stats should we expect from him next year? I think im being optimistic with 1500 rushing and 500 receiving yards, but I think he can make it happen in 13 games. What does everyone else think?

 

[solo]

1. Depending on QB play, defenses may be able to key on the run
2. Is the OL all new? That can't ve good for the ground game.

I think 1000 yards rushing and 300-400 receiving is what we can expect.

 

[username]

Darius Walker is not a good enough back. He runs sideways too much. Weiss' offense will never go anywhere as long as they keep that line coach.

 

[ShivaIrish]

Darius Walker is not a good enough back. He runs sideways too much. Weiss' offense will never go anywhere as long as they keep that line coach.

Latina is a very respected line coach, but with all due respect to Morton, and the over-rated Harris, and not much depth, he can't work miracles.

 

[sonomairishfan]

Darius Walker is not a good enough back. He runs sideways too much. Weiss' offense will never go anywhere as long as they keep that line coach.

walker has been the key to our offense for 3 years now. just look what happens when we abandon the run or don't get him screen passes. (usually a lose) dw is a fine back for this offense.

 

[IrishDon103]

Did you guys watch the same Darius Walker as I did on Wednsday???

If he plays like that next year, we'll be fine. Just fine =).

 

[ND81]

Darius Walker was on fire in the first half. Can't fault him for anything. People continually dog him, "too small, runs side to side too much, not fast enough", but all the guy does is put up solid numbers. If ND is to have any success next year they will have to get solid play from him, and I expect him to provide that.

 

[IrishDon103]

He showed me great speed in the first half.

Outran the entire LSU defense except for that guy who took a good persuit angle. Looks like that 4.4 the recruiting sites show may be legit after all....

 

[Win4Gipper]

I think the big stat next year for Walker is going to be the catches he has out of the back field. I know he gets a lot now but with a new QB i think Charlie will be gameplanning lots of high percentage passes to get them going

 

[IrishDon103]

Good point. I still think he could be a top 10 rusher next year if he plays like he did in the first half last night.

 

[80domer]

I thought the o line play was pretty good, particularly in the first half, this helped Walker get to the edge. I also think Walker looked different on artificial turf, much quicker. I wonder what his history is off grass?

 

[Indydomer]

Walker looked very quick. i said to my buddy, damn is that the same guy. I think we saw the speed that darius really has if he doesn't dance for the first few steps at the line. If he can somehow combine the two styles he will have a huge year next year. Way to go D, you are really the only Nd player other than Bruton that played well in that game. Here is looking forward to an exciting year next year.

 

[Timugen]

With all due respect to Walker, I really think this game was an anomaly. He can grind it out and put up respectable numbers on an almost consistent basis, but he is not a gamebreaker.

Personally, I'm hoping to see Aldridge, Prince, and Thomas get the majority of the touches next year.

 

[irishfan1122]

the performance of DW is not going to happen too often. if memory serves right, he didn't do a whole hell of a lot in the second half. they will be better off going with prince and aldridge splitting time to give a different look. how often do you see dw get a run over 20-25 yards? The answer is, not a whole hell of a lot. He's not a game breaker and he doesn't like to get hit. He is a good screen and draw guy, but thats about it.

 

[Irish93]

Absolutely, the way the line was blocking for him, he should have had 200 yds. rushing. He doesn't have breakaway speed, and doesn't have the open-field moves to make people miss. Sadly, with Aldridge dinged up and inexperienced, he was the best option.

With TT moving back to RB and Aldridge a year wiser and healthier, I do see a lesser role for Walker. But, I still see him getting at least 50% of the touches next year.

That said, he might get more touches than he did this year, because you may see more of a running-attack, with an inexperienced QB.

 

[irishfan1122]

you will see the same amount of running. kamara has great hands and size, little has outstanding speed and is one hell of an athtlete. Notre Dame will have success because no one will know what they are going to do, like in 05, they were unknown, but in 06, different story. There will be multiple looks. you may see a 2 tight end sets too. JUST GET AWAY FROM THE COVER 2. IT DOESN"T WORK!!!!!!!!

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

With a new quarterback, and no star receivers, what type of stats should we expect from him next year? I think im being optimistic with 1500 rushing and 500 receiving yards, but I think he can make it happen in 13 games. What does everyone else think?

I think you are being optimistic.

I think next year his numbers will dip a bit due to the more green nature of the team.

He will only get 1500 yards if he gets double the carries he got this year...

Honestly, I expect him to start sharing carries a lot more.

 

[nd1]

I think you are being optimistic.

I think next year his numbers will dip a bit due to the more green nature of the team.

He will only get 1500 yards if he gets double the carries he got this year...

Honestly, I expect him to start sharing carries a lot more.

I agree. with thomas returning back to running back and aldrige coming along I think his carries will be cut down. Plus with the young receivers and new qb the defence's will be more focus on the running game more than what is has been in the past.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

I agree. with thomas returning back to running back and aldrige coming along I think his carries will be cut down. Plus with the young receivers and new qb the defence's will be more focus on the running game more than what is has been in the past.

Thomas returning to running back? I had only heard that as rumor.

 

[Indydomer]

JUST GET AWAY FROM THE COVER 2. IT DOESN"T WORK!!!!!!!!

With better talent it will. Look at the Bears defense. they run a cover 2 defense. The differnece is that they have the talent to make it work. Be patient our time is coming.

 

[nd1]

Thomas returning to running back? I had only heard that as rumor.

well thats the rumor I heard too but you right don't really know until the season starts or until weis says so definte.

 

[Irish93]

I'm pretty sure that Weis himself has said that is the plan.

 

[jiggafini19]

He had two tackles against LSU.

Two.

Then again, the ball was whizzing over his head toward where the LSU WR were running wide open.

But two tackles?

 

[Irish93]

Well, all three LBs seemed to be getting run over in the fourth quarter like they weren't even there.

I'm hoping that Toryan can step up next year and solidify the MLB spot.

 

[marv81s]

our LBs getting run over was a reoccuring theme most of the season, that is why Zibby had a "subpar" year, he had to constantly play up for run support and one of the many reasons why we got burned deep all year.

 

[username]

The linebackers weren't run over. They were never anywhere to be found.
Thomas is by far a better back than Walker. Walker has all the stats cuz he is THE ONLY ONE WHO CARRIES THE BALL. The o-line coach MUST GO.

 

[ojo_223]

The linebackers weren't run over. They were never anywhere to be found.
Thomas is by far a better back than Walker. Walker has all the stats cuz he is THE ONLY ONE WHO CARRIES THE BALL. The o-line coach MUST GO.

I disagree. I'm sorry, but I've thought that Walker is the most underrated player on offense for the past two years. He didn't do much in the 2nd half of the Sugar because all we did was try to throw. When the line gives him a hole and he gets through it he is good for 5-6 yards a pop every time. I'm not too sure that our line will be worse next year. They will be less experienced, but the talent might be better. Do you think that Sam Young will move to left tackle?

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

I disagree. I'm sorry, but I've thought that Walker is the most underrated player on offense for the past two years. He didn't do much in the 2nd half of the Sugar because all we did was try to throw. When the line gives him a hole and he gets through it he is good for 5-6 yards a pop every time. I'm not too sure that our line will be worse next year. They will be less experienced, but the talent might be better. Do you think that Sam Young will move to left tackle?

Underrated how?

Because he can't turn a corner? Because he can't outrun a cold? Because his runs develop slower than a 7 year itch?

He is a solid 3-star back and has played as such. He is not fast, he is not explosive, he does not hit hard, and he dances too much.

He IS a great blocker and receiver.

Sounds like he should be a wideout... "possession receiver"

 

[username]

"When the line gives him a hole and he gets through it he is good for 5-6 yards a pop every time. " - ojo_223

You have got to be kidding me.

A good back creates his own holes. Walker can do nothing but revert to Pop Warner league antics and run sideways. The best thing about Walker is his durability.

 

[ojo_223]

would you consider Julius Jones a great back?