Florida Commit ‘20 Issiah Walker Jr. (OT) Highlights and Evaluation

Issiah Walker Jr. (6’4 - 305 lbs.) is an athletic, powerful offensive lineman from Norland High in Miami, Florida. After a stellar performance culminating in a 6A playoff appearance in his junior year, Walker is looking to perfect his craft during his final go-around for the Miami Norland.

After a commitment to the South Carolina Gamecocks, Walker felt a change of heart and decided to attend college in his home state of Florida. After his senior season, Walker is heading to the same place he went after his sophomore season… Gain-esville.

247Sports.com reported a huge increase in strength and size (40 pounds) between his sophomore and junior seasons.

Let’s break down his game.

Strengths

Punch - Next level strength with his punch. Absolutely stifles defenders at the point of attack. His explosive get off shocks defensive lineman.

One of the byproducts of his hard punch is his body lunge that comes with it, which is why he’s got so much power behind it. In pass pro, the same punch is the reason for his lunging tendency.

Quick sets are one thing, and he’s quite skilled at them, which is impressive at such a young age. But when you are lunging in a normal pass set, all it takes is a smart D-linemen to swipe the hands and Michael Phelps that dude.

I draw your attention to #99

Athleticism - Great bend for a big guy, and while his pad level is still high, his foot speed makes up for the lack of leverage. Walker looks like he belongs when he's out in space blocking on screens.

Great core strength and he looks as about as natural as possible when kick-stepping. Carries his weight well. (Worth noting he played his junior year significantly lighter than the weight he is now).

Finishing - He looks like he enjoys putting defender's faces in the dirt. The sign of a true offensive lineman, and the most important non-physical trait O-line coaches look for. To block an SEC defensive linemen play after play, you HAVE to love destroying people. Because that’s what SEC defensive linemen are trying to do to you.

University of Florida Football Recruiting

Of their 19 commits, 13 of them are in-state. Gotta love an in-state team. Walker Jr. makes that four O-line recruits for Florida’s 2020 class, with Jovens Janvier, Richard Leonard, and Gerald Mincey already committed to the gators.

Florida’s offensive line coach and co-offensive coordinator John Hevesy, a longtime Dan Mullen Staffer, turn around the Florida hogs from one of the worst-performing in the country to surrendering just 18 sacks in 2018.

That sort of turnaround is beyond attractive to recruits who want to win, and win now.