David Walker Interview: 'I’ll Be Remembered At Central Arkansas Forever'

Central Arkansas EDGE David Walker is among the most productive pass rushers in the nation. A dominant player, Walker has recorded 29.5 sacks in nearly three completed seasons with the Bears. He possesses a terrific opportunity to be the first non-FBS prospect selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Walker recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Walker discussed his pass-rush arsenal, his decision to decline NIL money and remain loyal to Central Arkansas, working to become a better run defender, and more.

JM: You began your college football career at D-II program Southern Arkansas. How do you look back on that experience and the decision to transfer to Central Arkansas?

David Walker: It’s a fun story. Of course, I’ve always wanted to play D-I football. I’ve always wanted to do that. When I was at Southern Arkansas, there was a defensive backs coach I built a good relationship with. He had an opportunity to come to Central Arkansas and he always kept me in mind.

That was part of the reason why I wanted to transfer. I had built a relationship with a coach at the program that I wanted to attend.

JM: Since then, you had a few NIL offers to make the jump to a Power 4 program this summer. What kept you loyal to Central Arkansas?

David Walker: It was all about that loyalty. I knew this program had my best interest at heart. Sure, I could have gone somewhere and made a little NIL money, maybe pick up a couple of sacks and increase my draft stock a little bit, but I was building a legacy here at Central Arkansas.

I was two sacks away from setting the all-time program record. I was one tackle for loss away from the TFL record. I wanted to stick with the program that gave me a real opportunity to cement myself in its history. I’ll be remembered at Central Arkansas forever.

JM: Speaking of those numbers, you're extremely powerful as a pass rusher and you're a finisher. You've recorded 29.5 sacks and counting in 2.5 seasons at Central Arkansas. How would you describe your pass-rush arsenal?

David Walker: I do a great job converting speed to power. A lot of people don’t think I have a lot of power in my game. They think I’m a smaller guy. They think I’m just a speed rusher that’s going to try and run up the field to get by you. I think I surprise a lot of people with power.

That helps me be a more well-rounded pass rusher. My defensive line coach also puts me in great positions every single week.

JM: Speaking of that power and your size, you’re listed at about 6-foot-2 and 260 pounds. Was proving you could defend the run an emphasis going into this season? Were you trying to show that you're more than a pass rusher?

David Walker: Yes sir, that was a huge emphasis of mine going into the season. I’ve been trying to show that I can extend and get off blocks. I’ve definitely been making more plays in the run game this year.

JM: You've been dominant regardless of competition and regardless of how much attention opposing offensive lines pay you. What do you think it is about your approach that allows you to defeat the double teams? You always have a backup plan. 

David Walker: It comes down to effort at the end of the day. Eventually, I’m going to be playing against some really good offensive tackles. What’s going to get me through that at the next level is my effort. I’m always running hard after the ball. I don’t get fed up with double teams. I see a lot of them. I have to find ways to beat it. 

I also watch a lot of guys in the NFL, ones that beat double teams at a high level, and try to learn from them. I add some of what they do to my game.

JM: Who are some of those guys you take influence from?

David Walker: I like T.J. Watt a lot. I like watching Micah Parsons. Haason Reddick is another one. I also watch Nik Bonitto on the Denver Broncos. I feel like he’s underrated. I like his game.

JM: You know what the critics are going to say throughout the pre-draft process. He played at Central Arkansas. They’re going to pick at that. How will you respond to that criticism?

David Walker: A lot of people that took the small-school route, they’re motivated by external things, but I internally motivate. I know there’s a bigger purpose at work. God has a plan for me. If this is the plan, he’s already carved a path for me. I’m going to execute the plan. I’ll let the criticism have a voice. I’ll just keep going out there and play to the best of my ability.

JM: This has been great. We've appreciated your time today. What are your goals for the remainder of this season?

David Walker: We want to finish strong. We’re in a little drought right now. We’ve been colder than we anticipated. We’re hoping to continue stacking wins as the season draws to a close here and hope the committee sees us favorably. 

The committee will make their decisions at the end of the day.