As he enters his second season with the Seattle Seahawks, Walker is finding his stride and adjusting to the change of pace. Expressing his growing comfort, Walker stated, "Yeah, it's much easier. You know, I know the plays. I know what to expect on offense and from the defense, so it's much easier. My head's not spinning from when I first got here," according to Seahawks.com.
During the regular season, Walker showcased his abilities by rushing for an impressive 1,050 yards and scoring nine touchdowns on 228 carries. His contributions, combined with quarterback Geno Smith's efforts, played a significant role in Seattle's offense performing well enough to secure a postseason position.
Walker's outstanding performance made him a strong candidate for the NFL's Rookie of the Year award. However, the honor ultimately went to Garrett Wilson, a wide receiver from the New York Jets and former Ohio State star. Despite feeling frustrated, Walker acknowledged Wilson's deserving accomplishment.
"I thought I was going to win it. But Garrett Wilson is a great player though, so let's not take it from him. But yeah. Kind of frustrated, but it happens. I can't make those decisions, so I've just got to come out here and do my best and get better."
Last season, the Seahawks utilized Walker as a receiving threat, with him recording 27 catches for 165 yards. Walker emphasized his versatility, mentioning his experience as both a wide receiver and a running back in high school, even though his college offense didn't heavily emphasize passing. However, the Seahawks coaching staff, including Shane Waldron, believed in Walker's ability to catch the ball and have been utilizing him more in the passing game.
Walker's impact on offenses is evident throughout his career. During his lone season at Michigan State, after transferring from Wake Forest, he rushed for an impressive 1,636 yards and scored 18 touchdowns on 263 carries. This surpassed his accomplishments at Wake Forest, where he rushed for 1,158 yards and 17 touchdowns on 217 carries. His standout performance at Michigan State included a memorable game against Michigan, where he scored five touchdowns and ran for 197 yards on 23 carries.
Many observers touted him as a potential Heisman Trophy contender. Walker went on to win the Doak Walker Award before entering the NFL Draft. He had been a three-star prospect at Wake Forest and played high school football at Arlington High School in Tennessee.
Walker's unwavering and consistent growth in many different environments has solidified his status as a promising player, and the expectations for him to become a star in the game remain resolute as he continues his journey. With each new challenge he encounters, Walker rises to the occasion, showcasing his exceptional skills and leaving an indelible impact that cements his trajectory towards stardom.
