Tech after another Elijah Walker, a K-State commitment
Tech already has a commitment from Elijah Walker, a quarterback from Amite High School. But they recently offered another player of the same name from California.
The “other” Elijah Walker is a 6-2, 195 pound defensive back from Cerritos, a community college in Norwalk, California. “Eli” Walker grew up in Long Beach, California. He’s the second youngest of twelve children (five brothers and six sisters).
“I loved it,” Eli said of growing up in a large family. “That’s what made me who I am today.”
Eli began playing football at eight years old, but didn’t play in high school until his senior season.
“I was forced to drop out my sophomore year due to family issues,” Walker said. “Cabrillo was the only school that accepted me because they knew what I was going through.
“I had to take a lot of extra classes to graduate, but I made it.”
In his lone season at Cabrillo, Eli played receiver and defensive back, earning all-league honors. After graduating from Cabrillo, Eli enrolled in Cerritos College.
"Due to the situation where I had to leave school and come back, I fell a little short academically and didn’t reach the NCAA four year requirements,” Walker told BleedTechBlue.com.
In two seasons as the starting strong safety for Cerritos, Eli recorded 117 tackles, four interceptions, six pass break-ups, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
He’s currently committed to Kansas State but also holds offers from Tech, Colorado State, and San Jose State.
“I committed to Kansas State because they were my first and only offer for a while.” Walker said. “I liked that the coaches spoke about academics, not just football. I want to go to a school where I can succeed academically, as well as on the field.”
Eli cited Tech’s academics as a reason he may consider flipping to the Bulldogs.
“I talked to coach Curtis yesterday. I have a visit scheduled for January 13-15 and I plan to make a final decision in February.”
Whatever he decides, Eli Walker’s dream of playing FBS football will soon become a reality.
“I just never lost the faith.”