King star quarterback commits to Delaware
After leading MLK to the Public League crown, Joseph Walker decides to stay close to home and play for the Blue Hens.
THE GOOD TIMES just keep on rolling for Martin Luther King quarterback Joseph Walker.
After leading King to the greatest one-season turnaround in city history, the 6-3, 190-pounder will stick close to home next season, committing to the University of Delaware last night.
"It's a great opportunity for me academically and athletically," Walker said. "It will be a great chance for me to get on the field quickly, and at a great program."
Walker led King (10-3) - with some players from now-closed Germantown - to its first Public League football title, only one season after the Cougars went 1-10, which, according to TedSilary.com, represents the best turnaround of all time.
In addition to the AAA Pub crown, the 17-year-old also set a new, single-season school record with 1,698 passing yards. Also, his 48 career passing scores are good for the all-time Pub mark, and he also leaves No. 3 in passing yardage with 3,795. His 71 career TDs (23 rushing) are also tops all-time for Pub QBs.
Walker, who attends Parkway NW as part of a cooperative sponsorship with King, started his career at Jules Mastbaum Tech.
"This season has been so perfect for me, because this is my first season playing with King," Walker said. "But you know we put that aside and we became one family once we stepped on the field."
Walker said Blue Hens offensive coordinator Sean Divine and quarterback coach John Perry visited his home near Olney yesterday. He said the coaches showed loyalty throughout the recruiting process and also got to know his family.
New Mexico, Buffalo, Stony Brook, Massachusetts and Coastal Carolina already made offers, but Walker said he couldn't pass the chance to stay close.
"It's a great opportunity that a lot of people don't get," Walker said. "And, I believe I can take advantage of that opportunity, and it will feel good to have my family watching me in the stands."