Football
UCA signs 38 new players for Nathan Brown on Signing Day
Large group of in-state players signed along with some transfers with big-time experience for new-looking roster
CONWAY, Ark. — Central Arkansas announced 38 new student-athletes on Wednesday at a National Signing Day reception at Buffalo Alumni Hall on the UCA campus.
UCA coach Nathan Brown announced a large class of 38 hailing from nine different states. The state of Arkansas was represented the most with 16 student-athletes, followed by Mississippi (7), Texas (5), Louisiana (3), Tennessee (3) and one each from Alabama, Oklahoma, Kansas and Wisconsin.
UCA had an across-the-board recruiting class, signing seven wide receivers, six defensive linemen, six defensive backs, six offensive linemen, four linebackers, three quarterbacks, three running backs and one placekicker, tight end and snapper.
MID-YEAR ENROLLEES
Gavin Smith (Long Snapper) 6’1 210
Trinity Valley Community College (Lago Vista, TX)
• 2024 2 nd Team SWJCFC All-Conference Selection
• 2023 Texas 4A District 6 Selection
• THAA Academic All-State Selection
• Kohls Listed Snapper List
Tyler Madsen (Kicker) 5’10 180
Lamar University (Lubbock, TX)
• Two-time 3A-4 All-District Selection (Kicker)
• Two-time 3A-4 All-District Selection (Punter)
• West Texas Kicker of the Year
• 2023 Dave Campbell Pre-Season All-American Selection
• 2023 Padilla Poll 1 st Team Punter
• HSFA 2023 HS Football Academic All-American
Jaylyn Spencer (Defensive Tackle) 6’1 290
East Central Community College (Hattiesburg, MS)
• Career Defensive Statistics: 40 Tackles 4 Sacks 5 TFL 1 Sack
• Rivals Listed Prospect
• 2024 Pre-Season MACCC All-State Selection List
• ECCC Defensive Player of the game (Week 2)
• Jay Chriswell DL Honors Selection
• MACCC Honor Roll
Other Offers: MS Valley State, Alcorn State, Northwestern State
Trevion Traylor (Defensive Tackle) 6’0 275
Northwest Missouri State (Russellville, AR)
• 2024 NW MO State Defensive Stats: 19 Tackles 3.5 TFL 2.5 Sacks
• High School Career Stats: 113 Tackles 13 Sacks 28 TFL
• 247 Listed Prospect
• Rivals 2 Star Prospect
• 2021 & 2022 6A All-State Selection
• AAA All Star Selection
• 2021 & 2022 6A Wrestling State Champion
• 2022 Power Lifting State Champion
• Two-time MIAA All-Academic Selection
Other Offers: Murray State, SEMO, Pittsburgh State, OBU, Harding
Jakobe Shell (Defensive End) 6’2 255
Henderson State University (Forrest City, AR)
• 2024 Henderson State Defensive Stats: 52 Tackles 12 TFL 7 Sacks 2 FF
• 2024 All-GAC 1 st Team Selection
• 2024 D2 Football Region 3 All-Defensive Selection
• 2024 Henderson State Leader in Sacks and QB hurries
• D2Football.com 2 nd Team All-American
• All-Arkansas Preps Defensive Lineman of the Year
• Fox Sports D2 All-American Selection 2024
• 2022 5A AAA Shot Put Champion
Other Offers: UAPB, MS Valley State, Alcorn State, Jackson State
Gary Lewis (Defensive End/Bandit) 6’2 235
Henderson State University (Fordyce, AR)
• Career Henderson State Defensive Stats: 118 Tackles 20.5 TFL 14 Sacks 4 FF
• 2022-2024 All-GAC Conference Selection
• 2023 D2Football.com All-American Selection
• Elite 100 Athlete
• Cliff Harris D2 Defensive Player of the Year Award Finalist
• Two-time 3A AAA All-State Selection
• Two-time 3A State Champion
Other Offers: UTEP, Tarleton State, Lamar, Alabama State, Charleston Southern, MS Valley
State, Houston Christian, North Alabama
Tyrell Pollard (Wide Receiver) 6’2 200
Hinds Community College (Hattiesburg, MS)
• 2024 Offensive Statistics: 25 Receptions 501 yards 7 TD
• 247 Listed Prospect
• Rivals 2 Star Prospect
• Rivals 32 nd Ranks Juco WR in the country
• 2024 MACCC 2 nd Team All-State Selection
• MS Knights All-WR Freaks List
• 2024 Hinds Offensive MVP
Other Offers: UAB, UL Lafayette, Troy, Western KY, Alcorn State, Jackson State, Southeastern
LA, Northwestern State, UT Martin, Murray State
Ty Durham (Wide Receiver) 5’11 185
Coffeyville Community College (Bentonville, AR)
• 2024 Offensive Stats: 32 catches 365 yards 4 TD
• 2022 High School Stats: 65 catches 1,263 yards 16 TD
• 2024 KJCCC All-State Honorable Mention Selection
• Three-time 7A West All-Conference Selection
• 2022 AAA 7A All-State Selection
• 2022 Hootens All-Arkansas Selection
• 2023 Baseball Signee to Southern Miss
Other Offers: UT Martin, Southern Nazarene, East Central, Northern KY, MO Southern
Kam Bibby (Wide Receiver) 6’1 195
University of Arkansas (El Dorado, AR)
• 2022 Offensive Statistics: 40 catches 1,088 yards 10 TD
• 247 Listed Prospect
• Rivals 3 Star Prospect
• 2021 & 2022 AAA 6A All-State Selection
• Hootens 14 th ranked Prospect in Arkansas
• 6A State Champion 2021
• Track Letterman
• Baseball Letterman
Other Offers: SEMO, Northwestern State
Jay’len Mosley (Wide Receiver) 6’0 190
Jackson Christian HS (Jackson, TN)
• Career Receiving Statistics: 221 catches 4,187 yards 60 TD
• Tennessee HS Record Holder in TD catches
• 247 3-star Prospect
• 247 14 th ranked Prospect in TN
• Rivals 4-star Prospect
• Four-time TNHSAA All-State Selection
• 2023 Tennessee Mr. Football winner
• 2024 Tennessee Mr. Football Finalist
• East/West Tennessee All-Star Game Selection
• UnderArmour All-American Game Invite
• Basketball Letterman
• Early High School Graduate
Other Offers: Arizona, Auburn, Liberty, Louisville, Memphis, Arkansas State, Missouri State,
Purdue, Vanderbilt, UT Martin, Austin Peay
Parker Perry (Wide Receiver) 6’3 195
Murray State University (Little Rock, AR)
• 2022 Offensive Stats: 39 catches 758 yards 11 TD
• 247 Listed Prospect
• On3 Listed Prospect
• 2022 All-Metro team Selection
• Two-time 5A Central All-Conference Selection
• 2022 AAA 5A All-State Selection
• Hootens top 40 Prospect in Arkansas
Other Offers: Middle TN, Arkansas State, UT Martin
Sam Driggers (Wide Receiver) 5’11 200
Middle Tennessee State University (Medina, TN)
• Offensive Statistics: 4,680 passing yards 59 TD
• Two-time 1A THAA All-State Selection
• Three-time 1A-4 All-Region Selection
• 2022 1A-4 Region Player of the Year
• Gibson County, TN Hall of Fame
• 2022 Gibson County Player of the Year
Other Offers: Morehead State, Presbyterian, West Florida
Luther Richesson (Quarterback) 6’3 225
University of Cincinnati/Middle Tennessee State University (Nashville, TN)
• 2022 High School Stats: 189-228 2,433 yards 34 TD
• 247 4 Star Prospect
• 2023 247 2 nd ranked Juco QB Prospect in the country
• 2021 & 2022 2AA District 2 All-District Selection
• 2AA Tennessee State Champion
• Elite 11 Finalist
• 2024 Conference USA Academic Honor Roll
• Father (Luke) is a long time NFL strength coach with Denver Broncos, Houston Texans,
and Jacksonville Jaguars. Mother (Anita) was an Olympic swimmer where she won a
gold, silver, and bronze medal in the 1992 Olympics in the Breaststroke.
Other Offers: Tarleton State, SFA, Lamar, Austin Peay, Eastern KY, North Alabama. Western
Illinois, Abilene Christian
Peyton Lyon (Quarterback) 6’1 205
St Norbert College (Oshkosh, WI)
• Career Passing Stats: 123-230 3,374 yards 34 TD
• Career Rushing Stats: 29 Attempts 114 yards 3 TD
• 2023 NACC All-Conference Honorable Mention Selection
• 2024 NACC All-Conference Honorable Mention Selection
• NACC Honor Roll
• St Norbert Deans List
Jhace Mallard (Linebacker) 6’0 210
East Central Community College (West Point, MS)
• Career Defensive Statistics: 106 Tackles 21 TFL 4 FF 1 INT
• MS North-South Benard Blackwell All-Star Game
• Two-time All-District Selection
• 2023 & 2024 MACCC Academic All-State Selection
Other Offers: Austin Peay, Fayetteville State, Tuskegee, Long Island University
Jacorey Jones (Linebacker) 6’1 215
Northwest MS Community College (Cleveland, MS)
• Career Defensive Stats: 64 Tackles, 4 TFL, 2.5 Sacks
• Rivals Listed Prospect
• ESPN Listed Prospect
• 2024 MACCC All-State 2 nd Team Selection
• MS Delta Times All-Defensive Team
• 2024 Two-time Defensive player of the week for NWCC
Other Offers: Alcorn State, Northwestern State, Texas Southern, Delta State
Kyle Vocque (Linebacker) 6’0 220
University of Arkansas Pine Bluff (Bauxite, AR)
• 2024 UAPB Defensive Stats: 35 Tackles 1.5 TFL 1 FF
• 2023 High School Stats: 132 Tackles 3 Sacks 11 TFL 4 FF 1 INT
• 2022 & 2023 4A AAA All-State Selection
• 2023 Hootens All-Arkansas Team
• 2023 Monster Camp MVP
• 4A AAA State Champion Wrestler
Other Offers: Arkansas Tech, SAU, OBU, Henderson State
Mari Smith (Defensive Back) 5’11 180
University of Tulsa (Fort Smith, AR)
• Career Defensive Statistics: 78 Tackles 6 INT 14 PBU
• 247 Listed Prospect
• ESPN 2 Star Prospect
• 2022 & 2023 7A All-State Selection
• Hooten 18 th rated prospect in Arkansas
• 2022 100-meter Meet of Champs Champion (10.51)
• 2022 200-meter State Champion
• Arkansas Track and Field Hall of Fame member
Other Offers: UTSA, Murray State
Marcus Washington (Defensive Back) 5’11 185
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (D’Iberville, MS)
• 2024 Defensive Statistics: 44 Tackles 4.5 TFL 2 INT
• MACCC All-State Honorable Mention Selection
• 2024 Biloxi Times All-DB Team
• 2024 MACCC All Defensive Team Selection
• MACCC National Honor Roll
• Associates degree with High Honors
Other Offers: UTEP, Campbell, West Alabama, UAPB
Collin Dunn (Defensive Back) 6’1 195
Kansas State University/Itawamba Community College (Tuscaloosa, AL)
• 2024 Defensive Statistics: 33 Tackles 2.5 TFL 6 PBU
• 247 3 Star Prospect
• 247 62 nd ranked DB Prospect in the country
• Rivals 3 Star Prospect
• 2024 MACCC All-State Selection
• North MS All-State Selection
• Associates degree with High Honors
Other Offers: UTEP, UT Martin, Alabama State, Jacksonville State, Samford
Nylan Harper (Defensive Back) 5’10 180
Jacksonville State University/East Central Community College (Pascagoula,
MS)
• 2024 Defensive Statistics: 26 Tackles 8 PBU
• ESPN 3 Star Prospect
• ESPN 19 th ranked Juco DB in the country
• 2024 Pre-Season All American Juco World
• 2024 Jackson Column All-Area Team DB
• Baseball Letterman
• MACCC Honor Roll
Other Offers: Temple, Western KY, Samford, Morehouse College, UT Martin, Tuskegee,
Hampton University, Alcorn State, Minnesota State
Chapman McKown (Running Back) 5’8 200
University of Oklahoma (Norman, OK)
• 2022 Rushing Stats: 1,103 yards 13 TD
• 247 3 Star Prospect
• 247 38 th ranked Prospect in Oklahoma
• 2022 Oklahoma 6A-1 All-District RB of the Year
• 2022 OHSFAA All-State Selection
• FCA All-State Selection
• Norman North MVP 2022
• 100-meter champion (10.6)
• 60-meter Track champion
• Former World Team member (Wrestling)
• 2024 SEC Honor Roll
Other Offers: Tulsa, Central Oklahoma, Northen Colorado, Abilene Christian, SFA, Lamar,
Prairie View
Cam Young (Running Back) 5’10 200
Murray State University (West Point, MS)
• 247 Listed Prospect
• Rivals Listed Prospect
• Two-time MAC 5A All-State Selection
• Mississippi/Alabama All Star Game
• 2022 MS Region 1-5A Offensive Player of the Year
• Two-time 5A State Champion
• Track Letterman
Other Offers: Delta State, MS Valley State, Alcorn State, UT Martin
Lane Jeffcoat (Offensive Line) 6’9 325
Rice University (Bentonville, AR)
• 247 3 Star Prospect
• 247 12 th Rated Prospect in Arkansas
• Rivals 3 Star Prospect
• 2021-2023 7A AAA All-State Selection
• 2023 AAA Offensive Lineman of the Year
• Two-Time 7A West All-Conference Basketball Selection
• AAC All-Academic Selection
• National Honor Society member
Other Offers: Missouri State, Tulsa
Walker Baty (Offensive Line) 6’4 300
University of Texas San Antonio (Liberty Hill, TX)
• 247 3 Star Prospect
• Rivals top 100 Texas HS Prospect
• All Conference USA Honorable Mention Selection
• 0 Sacks Allowed in 2024
• UTSA Graduate
• 16 career starts on Offensive Line at UTSA
• Basketball Letterman
• American Athletic Conference Honor Roll
Other Offers: Tarleton State, UTRGV, Abilene Christian, Lamar, Prairie View
Senon Chapple (Offensive Line) 6’0 280
University of Colorado State Pueblo (Fort Worth, TX)
• 2023 & 2024 1 st Team Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Selection
• 2023 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year
• 2023 D2Football.com Freshmen All-American
• 2024 1 st Team All-Colorado Selection
• 2022 6A THCAA All-State Center Selection
• RMAC Academic Honor Roll
Other Offers: Tarleton State, SFA, Lamar, Northern Colorado
HIGH SCHOOL SIGNEES
Owen Miller (Quarterback) 6’2 185
Harding Academy High School (Searcy, AR)
• Career Offensive Passing Statistics: 10,616 yards 115 TD
• Career Offensive Rushing Statistics: 1,908 yards 28 TD
• 2024 5A East Player of the Year
• 2024 AAA 5A All-State Selection
• On3 3 Star Prospect
• On3 12th rated Prospect in Arkansas
• Rivals 3 Star Prospect
• 2023 Hootens 4A Offensive Player of the Year
• 2023 ArkSportsNet Player of the Year
• Elite 11 Regional winner
• National Record holder for completion percentage in career
• Two-time State Champion
• 400m Track State Champion
• National Honor Society member
• 3.6 HS GPA
Other Offers: Navy, UT Martin, Eastern KY, Murray State
JT Layton (Tight End) 6’3 225
Oak Grove High School (Oak Grove, LA)
• Career Offensive Receiving Stats: 73 catches 1,055 yards 13 TD
• Career Offensive Rushing Stats: 53 carries 361 yards 7 TD
• 247 3 Star Prospect
• 247 57 th rated Prospect in Louisiana
• 247 118 th rated TE Prospect in the country
• 2023 & 2024 All-2A District 2 Selection
• 2024 LAA 2A All-State Selection
• North Louisiana Fab 40 List Prospect
Other Offers: Arkansas State, LA Tech, LA Monroe, Northwestern State, Southeastern LA,
Lamar, Cornell, Dartmouth, SEMO
Jaxon Oliver (Defensive Tackle) 6’3 315
Fayetteville High School (Fayetteville, AR)
• 2024 Defensive Statistics: 56 Tackles 6 Sacks 20 TFL 3 FF
• Rivals List Prospect
• 2024 AAA 7A All-State Selection
• 2023 & 2024 7A West All-Conference Selection
• 2024 1 st Team Northwest AR Selection
• Hootens 7A Defensive Player of the Year nominee
• 2023 State Champion
Other Offers: SEMO, Pittsburgh State, Fort Hays State, West TX A&M, Central Oklahoma,
Northwest Mo State
Hakeem Norman (Defensive Tackle) 6’3 320
Huntington High School (Shreveport, LA)
• 2024 Defensive Statistics: 48 Tackles 20 TFL 3 Sacks
• Rivals 2 Star Prospect
• 2024 LHSAA 5A All-State Honorable Mention
• 2023 & 2024 All-5A District 4 Selection
• Louisiana Top 50 Prospect
• Letterman in Wrestling
• 2023 5A District for All District Track
Other Offers: Texas Tech, UTSA, Grambling, LA Tech, Northwestern State
Cash Archer (Linebacker) 6’2 220
Greenwood High School (Greenwood, AR)
• Career Defensive Stats: 224 Tackles 39.5 Sacks 82.5 TFL 2 INT 11 FF
• 247 3 Star Prospect
• 247 13 th rated Prospect in Arkansas
• 247 146 th rated LB in the country
• Rivals 2 Star Prospect
• 2023 & 2024 AAA 6A All-State Selection
• 2024 Hootens 6A Defensive Play of the Year
• 2023 6A West Defensive Player of the Year
• Hootens 19 th rated Prospect in Arkansas
• Three-time State Champion
Other Offers: Arkansas State, LA Monroe, Missouri State, New Mexico State, Toledo, UNLV,
SEMO
Damond Williams (Running Back) 5’11 215
South Oak Cliff High School (Dallas, TX)
• Career Rushing Stats: 156 carries 1,745 yards 16 TD
• 2023 & 2024 5A-2 All-District Selection
• 2023 THSAA 5A All-State Honorable Mention
• 2024 G-Power RB of the Year
• Dallas Sporting News RB Selection
• Dave Campbell Recruit Watch List
• 2022 State Champion
• 3.5 HS GPA
Other Offers: Missouri State, West TX A&M, UIW, Northeastern State, Lamar,
Abrum Lewis (Offensive Line) 6’6 325
Covington High School (Covington, LA)
• 247 Listed Prospect
• On3 2 Star rated Prospect
• 2024 6-5A All-District 1 st Team Selection
• 2023 LFCA 5A All-State 2 nd Team Selection
• 2023 & 2024 St. Tammany Parish Selection
• Gridiron Football All-American Selection
• Houston UnderArmour All-American camp invite
• NOLA.com Thrifty 30 Selection
Other Offers: Arkansas State, Troy, LA Tech, Colorado State, Southern Miss, Southeastern LA,
McNeese, Northwestern State
Drayton Knoll (Offensive Line) 6’5 305
Holcomb High School (Holcomb, KS)
• 2023 Defensive Statistics: 39 Tackles 7.5 TFL 2 Sacks
• 247 3 Star Prospect
• 247 16 th rated Prospect in Kansas
• 247 104 th rated OL in the country
• 2023 & 2024 KHAA 5A All-State 1 st Team Selection
• 2023 & 2024 ALL GWAC Selection
• Basketball Letterman
• Track Letterman
• National Honor Society member
• 4.0 HS GPA
Other Offers: Utah State, Western Illinois, Lindenwood, Cornell, Dartmouth, Eastern Michigan
Joshua Thomas (Offensive Line) 6’8 315
Greenbrier High School (Greenbrier, AR)
• Rivals Listed Prospect
• 2023 & 2024 5A West All-Conference Selection
• 2024 AAA 5A All-State Selection
• 5A West Offensive Lineman of the Year
• US Army All-American Bowl Watch List
• Shock Dr All Big man Team Selection
• 2024 Faulkner County Super Team Selection
• 3.7 HS GPA
Other Offers: LA Tech, Missouri State, Austin Peay
Camron Massey (Wide Receiver) 6’0 180
Northside High School (Fort Smith, AR)
• 247 Listed Prospect
• Rivals 2 Star Prospect
• 2024 AAA 7A All-State Selection
• 2023 & 2024 7A Central All-Conference Selection
• 2024 All-River Valley Selection
• NUC All-American Game Invite
• Long Jump Track State Champion
• 2023 AAA All-State Track
Other Offers: North Texas, UNLV, Arkansas State, SEMO, UT Martin
Michael Hayes (Defensive Back) 5’10 180
Robinson High School (Little Rock, AR)
• Career Defensive Stats: 114 Tackles 6.5 TFL 3 INT
• Career Offensive Stats: 27 catches 398 yards 8 TD
• 247 Listed Prospect
• Hootens 32nd rated Prospect in Arkansas
• 2023 & 2024 AAA 5A All-State Selection
• 2024 Arkansas Democrat Gazette Super Team Selection
• AAA All Star Game Selection
• 3.5 HS GPA
Other Offers: Bryant, SFA, SEMO, North Alabama
Jeremiah Adaway (Defensive Back) 5’11 185
Hot Spring High School (Hot Springs, AR)
• 2024 Defensive Stats: 86 Tackles 4 TFL 4 INT
• 247 Listed Prospect / On3 2 Star Prospect
• 2023 & 2024 AAA 5A All-State Selection
• 2024 5A South Defensive Back of the Year
• AAA All Star Game Selection
• 3.6 HS GPA
Other Offers: Alcorn State, UAPB, Northwest MO State
Football
David Walker’s unlikely path: UCA to Tampa Bay’s rookie sensation
Journey from small-town Arkansas to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is rewriting the script for NFL rookies from overlooked programs
CONWAY, Ark. — David Walker’s journey to the NFL was never supposed to look like this.
Small-town Stuttgart, Ark., is a long way from the bright lights of Raymond James Stadium, but for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ rookie edge rusher, the distance between dream and reality was measured in grit, not geography.
“I always thought if you worked hard enough, someone would notice,” Walker said, his voice steady but unmistakably proud. “I just didn’t know when, or who.”
The who, as it turns out, was the Buccaneers’ front office, who selected Walker with the 121st overall pick in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, a move that raised eyebrows across the league.
Tampa Bay had built a reputation for finding diamonds in the rough, but even seasoned analysts were surprised when they reached for a pass rusher from Central Arkansas, a program that rarely sends talent to the NFL’s main stage.
They have sent players to the NFL before. Linebacker Monte Coleman played 16 years when Washington’s team was the Redskins. Walker isn’t interested in the odds.
“I’ve been doubted before,” he said, a familiar refrain for a player whose career has been defined by proving people wrong.
Walker’s collegiate resume is, in a word, relentless.
After transferring from Southern Arkansas, he anchored the Bears’ defense, racking up 62 tackles, 10.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles in his final season. His three-year run at UCA saw him amass 31 sacks and 63 tackles for loss, earning him the 2024 Buck Buchanan Award as the nation’s best defensive player in the FCS.
His 94.6 overall grade last fall was the best among all FCS and FBS edge defenders, a statistic that doesn’t shock anyone who saw him play on Saturdays.
Coaches and teammates describe Walker’s game with the kind of admiration usually reserved for veterans.
“He can rush the passer, and he is tough,” defensive coordinator Larry Foote told reporters after rookie minicamp. “He loves football and you know his height thing, I think that is why he dropped, but you can’t measure heart. You don’t really know how quick he is until rookie minicamp. You can see it.”
“He knows how to rush the passer,” Bucs coach Todd Bowles said. “He’s been a natural. I make fun of him. I told him when I was recruiting him in Temple: ‘Tell this league you belong.’ And he does.”
If there was any lingering doubt about Walker’s transition from small-school football, his performance at the Senior Bowl erased it.
Facing top prospects from Power Five conferences, Walker dominated during practices, displaying a “solid rip move” and “great change of direction,” according to Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski.
Analysts pointed out that, while he might lack the elite straight-line speed of some first-rounders, his “suddenness” and “pass-rushing instincts” stood out, traits that often translate better to game speed than combine numbers ever could.
For Walker, the learning curve has been steep, but not unfamiliar.
“Football is just basketball on grass,” he said in his post-draft interview, referencing his high school days as a multi-sport athlete.
“You can see the way he cuts,” a coach observed, drawing parallels to his quick-twitch agility and vision.
That background, paired with what his high school coach called “absolutely ferocious work ethic,” has given him an edge in picking up Tampa Bay’s complex defensive schemes.
The Bucs’ defense is no place for passengers, especially in a division where quarterback pressure can make or break a season. Walker is entering a “stacked” outside linebacker room, but veterans like Anthony Nelson have already taken note.
“Walker has the skills,” Nelson said, though he’s quick to add that the real test comes “when the pads go on.”
The rookie is not fazed.
“I’m willing to do anything they ask,” Walker said at his introductory press conference. “I’m just here to get better every day and help this team however I can.”
Walker’s humility is matched by his ambition. When asked about his goals for the season, he doesn’t mention stats or accolades.
“I just want to make my family proud and show the kids back home that it’s possible,” he said, referencing Stuttgart, where his story has already become legend.
“David’s always been the hardest worker in the room,” his former coach at Stuttgart High told local media. “He’s God-gifted, but he’s earned everything that’s coming to him.”
The Buccaneers have a history of turning mid-round picks into major contributors, from Ronde Barber to Chris Godwin. Barber himself, now a Hall of Famer, recently singled out Walker as “the most impactful rookie” on the team.
“Big things are coming for David,” Barber said, adding that Walker’s relentless motor “reminds me a little of myself.”
That’s high praise from a franchise legend .
Analysts have started to echo Barber’s sentiment, with some calling Walker “the steal of the draft.” The Pewter Report noted that “a crazy 33.8% of his pass rushes” in college resulted in pressure, a number that puts him in elite company.
“He isn’t the fastest edge rusher (4.69), but he’s very sudden in his movements and has great pass rushing instincts,” PewterReport.com wrote.
The challenge now is sustaining that production against NFL-caliber talenta transition that, so far, Walker appears to be handling with characteristic determination.
For Tampa Bay, Walker represents more than just a fourth-round flier. The team’s pass rush was a question mark entering the offseason, and the rookie’s emergence could be a crucial answer.
“He fills a central position of need,” wrote one columnist, suggesting that Walker’s development may be a bellwether for the Bucs’ defensive fortunes this season.
As training camp approaches, Walker’s story is still being written. He’s already earned the respect of teammates and coaches, but the real test, the one he’s been preparing for since those early mornings in Stuttgart, is yet to come.
“I’m just excited to get to work,” Walker said, flashing a grin that betrays both nerves and excitement. “This is where I’ve always wanted to be.”
It’s a sentiment that resonates far beyond UCA. In a league where pedigree and profile often overshadow perseverance, Walker is a reminder that the road less traveled can still lead to the NFL’s biggest stage.
The season’s outcomes remain uncertain, one thing seems clear. Walker has already beaten the odds, and he’s just getting started.
Football
Walker poised to be Buccaneers’ next middle-round breakout pass rusher
David Walker’s speed and production could make him the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ next defensive star after a dominant FCS career
CONWAY, Ark. — Tampa Bay had a history of finding impact players outside the first round, and in 2025, fourth-round pick David Walker could be the latest to make his mark.
Selected 121st overall out of Central Arkansas, Walker arrives in Tampa Bay with a resume that stands out among recent FCS prospects.
Walker capped his college career as a three-time unanimous FCS All-American, the 2024 Buck Buchanan Award winner, and a three-time conference Defensive Player of the Year.
Over 34 games, he amassed 191 tackles, 63 tackles for loss, 31 sacks, eight pass breakups, and six forced fumbles, setting program records for both tackles for loss and sacks.
His dominance was further highlighted by a 6.5-TFL performance against Tarleton State in 2024, a single-game school record.
Despite questions about his size-standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 263 pounds-Walker’s explosiveness and relentless motor have drawn praise from Buccaneers coaches and scouts.
“Speed – he contributes that, and I think he’s accumulated about [a lot of] sacks,” said outside linebackers coach Larry Foote. “He understands how to pressure the quarterback; it comes naturally to him.
“He’s a natural at pass rushing. Although he may be shorter in stature, his speed is something that can’t be taught, and he has shown significant improvement. I’ve been following his journey over the years. His performance continues to elevate.”
Walker’s speed, suddenness, and ability to convert quickness into power have already impressed during rookie minicamp.
“When you have that inside perspective as a coach, knowing him personally and understanding which motivational tactics work or don’t work, you can gauge whether he needs firm coaching or a supportive approach,” Foote said.
He knows. He tried to get him to Temple when he was coaching there, but the Stuttgart native wasn’t getting that far away.
That relationship could help Walker adjust quickly to the NFL.
The Buccaneers’ need for a spark in their pass rush was evident after last year’s second-round pick Chris Braswell struggled to make an immediate impact, and the team added veteran Haason Reddick on a one-year deal.
Walker’s arrival injects competition and depth into a group that also features Yaya Diaby and Anthony Nelson.
Walker’s knack for making plays in the backfield is a trait the Bucs hope will translate to the NFL. At UCA, a remarkable 33.8% of his tackles came behind the line of scrimmage.
He also brings a “violence” to his game that should serve him well against pro-level blockers.
While he may not have elite length or the fastest 40-yard dash (4.69 seconds), his instincts and production speak for themselves.
If Walker can replicate even a portion of his college disruption, he could be the next in a line of Buccaneers mid-round gems, following in the footsteps of players like Yaya Diaby and Shaq Barrett.
As coach Todd Bowles emphasized, improving the four-man pass rush is a priority, and Walker’s arrival gives the Bucs a new weapon to achieve that goal.
Football
Walker’s breakout at Bucs’ rookie mini-camp sparks Barrett comparisons
David Walker’s standout performance at Bucs rookie mini-camp has fans and analysts wondering if he’s the next Shaq Barrett
Tampa Bay rookie mini-camp offered a glimpse into the franchise’s future, but few expected the spotlight to shift so quickly to edge rusher David Walker.
While cornerback Jacob Parrish made headlines with a pair of pick-sixes, it was Walker who quietly-and forcefully-established himself as the best player on the field, igniting conversations about his potential to follow in the footsteps of legendary Bucs pass rusher Shaq Barrett.
Walker’s performance was marked by relentless energy and technical polish uncommon for a rookie.
Observers noted his explosive first step and ability to disrupt plays in the backfield, traits that have long defined Tampa Bay’s defensive identity.
The buzz around Walker grew even louder after Scott Reynolds, in the latest episode of Pewter Pulse, broke down Walker’s impact and drew early comparisons to Barrett, whose arrival in Tampa Bay transformed the team’s pass rush.
“Walker was everywhere,” Reynolds said in his analysis. “He showed the kind of motor and instinct that you just can’t teach. It’s the same feeling we had when Shaq Barrett first arrived-there’s something special in the way he attacks the edge.”
The Bucs’ coaching staff echoed this sentiment, noting that Walker’s approach to preparation and his adaptability in drills stood out among his peers.
While rookie camps are often about learning and adjustment, Walker appeared to be a step ahead, diagnosing plays and executing with a veteran’s confidence.
Fans have responded with enthusiasm, flooding the PewterReportTV YouTube channel with comments and likes after watching the new Pewter Pulse episode.
The growing community of “Pewter People” has rallied around the idea that Walker could be the next homegrown star, a player capable of revitalizing the Bucs’ pass rush as the team transitions into a new era.
Of course, the comparison to Barrett is not made lightly. Barrett’s journey from undrafted free agent to Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion is the stuff of NFL legend.
Yet, the parallels are hard to ignore: both players arrived in Tampa Bay with something to prove, both possess an underdog mentality, and both have shown a knack for making big plays in critical moments.
As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Walker to see if he can build on his early momentum.
The Bucs’ defensive coaches are expected to give him every opportunity to earn a significant role, especially with the team seeking to bolster its pass rush depth.
For now, David Walker’s rookie mini-camp performance has set the stage for what could be one of the most intriguing storylines of the Bucs’ 2025 season.
If he continues on this trajectory, the comparisons to Shaq Barrett may soon feel less like hype and more like prophecy.
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