Scouting Journals for Walter Nolen

Large-framed interior defensive lineman with rare movement skills and athleticism at over 6-foot-4 and 340 pounds. Has continued to add size, growing over an inch and adding 40 pounds from his junior to senior years. Among the more athletic nose tackle prospects in several cycles. A truly dominant prospect in camp settings. Proved unblockable against top offensive linemen at Under Armour's Future 50 camp prior to his senior season. Has top notch first-step quickness with the ability to translate speed to power as an interior pass rusher. Pairs his considerable quickness with violent hands and upper body strength at the point of attack. Already has some pass rush moves in his repertoire aside from a bull rush. Closes quickly and is capable of tracking offensive skill players in pursuit. Putting together a strong senior campaign after transferring to Powell High School in east Tennessee. Projects as a nose tackle with the ability to push the pocket in addition to rushing the passer.

Walter Nolen was the most disruptive force on the defensive line for either team throughout the practices. And it carried over to the game. The Texas A&M signee’s initial quickness and ability to convert speed to power stand out in the practice and game setting. His ability to play the run equally as well as rush the passer from the interior makes him a truly elite prospect. He won reps in practice and the game setting with quick hands and feet, explosiveness out of his athletic stance, and a powerful long arm. Nolen will enter the college ranks as more than a bull rusher from the interior. His ability to kick out to end at times adds to his upside and scheme versatility long term. The Five-Star Plus+ prospect looks to be in good shape. He’s trimmed down from the summer dropping more than 20-pounds after weighing 351 at one point.

Walter Nolen had a number of flash plays in his first game at Powell (Tenn.) High. The 6-foot-5, 340-pounder showcased his unique burst and short-area quickness against a top opponent in Maryville High. He left the game with an injured finger, but more than made his impact felt over the course of the first three quarters. The big man showed some unique movement skills in tracking down plays from the back side. He also showed a good effort level on a snap to snap basis.

No prospect was more dominant on the camp circuit than the Powell (Tenn.) High product. Nolen made easy work of top offensive linemen at Under Armour’s Future 50 camp over the summer. The performance is one of the more impressive showings we’ve seen from a defensive lineman in that setting in some time. Nolen checked in at 6-foot-4.5 and 340 pounds and completely manhandled whoever he faced. He won with a devastating bull rush, walking the opposing linemen back to the quarterback. He then kicked out to defensive end and beat offensive tackles with speed. Nolen owns a unique blend of size, quickness and power.