Where things stand with Gamecocks and Michigan commitment Julian Walker
It’s going to be an eventful next week or so for Dutch Fork defensive end Julian Walker.
The senior is trying to help the Silver Foxes get to their 10th-straight state championship appearance. Dutch Fork hosts Dorman on Friday in the Class 5A Division I Upper State title game.
The next day, Walker heads to Michigan to see the Wolverines take on No. 1 Ohio State. The four-star recruit has been committed to the Wolverines since July 1, but South Carolina and North Carolina remain in pursuit as the early signing period nears for football on Dec. 3.
Walker was at Williams-Brice Stadium last Saturday for the Gamecocks’ game against Coastal Carolina — and he’s been to almost every USC home game.
Why go to so many South Carolina games? One reason, he said, is to support his father Jamil Walker, one of the Gamecocks’ assistant strength and conditioning coaches. Another reason is to see some of USC’s recruits who he’s become friends with during the recruiting process.
“They have been adamant that they still want me,” Walker said before Dutch Fork’s Monday practice. “It was good to be there, see all the guys and all the recruits. I am close to all of the guys. So it was good to see everyone again.”
This weekend will be Walker’s first trip to Michigan since his official visit over the summer. He will be taking his mother with him on this trip. She didn’t go with him in the summer, and he said this visit is as much for her as it is for him so she can see the campus and atmosphere.
“I am really excited to get down there. It has been a while,” Walker said. “I have been talking to those guys on the phone, so it will be great to see everyone in person.
“Michigan has been playing pretty good this year but this will be a big test for them, so I am looking forward to being there and see what happens.”
When asked if he was still weighing his options between Michigan and South Carolina and if his decision will go up until signing day, Walker paused, then said, “Go Blue.”
Walker isn’t the only player South Carolina is trying to flip before the early signing period. Others include Maryland commitment and edge rusher Zion Elee and Florida running back commitment Carsyn Baker.
Elee visited USC earlier this month, while Baker will visit the Gamecocks this weekend for the Clemson game, according to On3’s Chad Simmons. South Carolina doesn’t have a running back committed for this year’s class after Amari Thomas flipped his pledge to Florida State last week.
Last year, South Carolina was able to flip Rock Hill receiver Malik Clark, who was previously committed to Florida State.
Walker is having a big senior season and leads the Silver Foxes’ defense with 59 tackles (19 for loss), 14 quarterback hurries and is tied for the team lead in sacks with 10. He was selected for the Shrine Bowl and Navy All-American game in San Antonio in January.
Walker has opted out of the Shrine Bowl and was replaced by teammate Luciano Cesario, but he will still play in the Navy All-American game.
But first, Walker hopes to help the Silver Foxes to another state title. Dutch Fork is going for its fourth championship in a row and has won 17 straight postseason games.
Dutch Fork’s defense turned in one of its best performances of the season last Friday in a 21-0 win over Byrnes. The Silver Foxes held the Rebels to 117 yards, and it was the first time Byrnes has been shut out in a playoff game since 1989.
“We are getting closer, playing together and trusting each other,” Walker said. “Every day, we get out here, our communication is better and everything about us gets better. It is all working for us right now.”
