4-star EDGE Rico Walker commits to Maryland

Hickory (N.C.) four-star EDGE Rico Walker has committed to Maryland. Walker originally committed to North Carolina on July 18 but reopened his recruitment on November 11.

The 6-foot-3, 234-pound prospect is the is the No. 308 overall prospect in the 2023 class, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He ranks as the nation’s No. 34 edge rusher and the No. 13 player in the state of North Carolina.

Walker currently has an On3 NIL Valuation of $18.6k. The On3 NIL Valuation is an index that looks to set the standard market value for both high school and college-level athletes. The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete’s value at a certain moment in time.

Rico Walker’s Scouting Summary

“Large tweener prospect who lines up off the edge and at off-ball backer on defense and sprinkles in some play at wide receiver as well. Stands in at over 6-foot-3, 235 pounds with a 6-foot-7 wingspan. Has the length and movement skills to excel along the defensive line. Comfortable space player who can make plays from the hash to the sideline. Heavier set right now on an athletic frame. Could reshape and sculpt the body to become more agile and increase change of direction.

…Explosive athlete who jumped a 27.5-inch vertical and a 9-foot-6 broad jump during the spring camp circuit prior to his senior season. Striker at the point of contact. Possesses real stopping power. Productive player who lives in the backfield. Totaled 56 tackles, 7 tackles for loss and 7 sacks during his junior season. Ideal fit would be as an edge rusher at the next level. Should mold body into an NFL-looking prospect and athlete through collegiate strength and conditioning program.”