Zykeivous Walker withdraws from portal, where he fits in Ron Roberts' defense
Auburn junior defensive lineman Zykeivous Walker has withdrawn his name from the NCAA transfer portal according to On3’s Matt Zenitz.
Walker, a former four-star recruit from Schley County (GA), was a member of the Class of 2020. Walker was the No. 87 overall recruit in the country, the No. 11 defensive lineman and the No. 14 recruit out of Georgia according to the On3 Consensus.
Walker left the program before entering the portal
There was a feeling that Walker may not return to the team in 2023 as reported by Auburn Live’s Justin Hokanson. That transpired during Auburn’s bye week during the 2022 season. He would later enter his name into the NCAA transfer portal.
Walker had surgery during the offseason after suffering an injury early in the 2021 season. He was still recovering from that injury when the 2022 season began. He was first seen in action against Georgia in week five.
Former head coach Bryan Harsin mentioned in a press conference that Walker also missed time due to personal reasons.
Former 4-star recruit
Walker, a former 4-star recruit, and the second highest rated prospect behind Tank Bigsby in the class of 2020. He was considered the No. 87 overall player nationally, the No. 11 best defensive lineman, and the No. 14 ranked player in the state of Georgia according to the On3 consesnsus ranking.
Walker is now one of many players from the 2020 recruiting class that have now moved on from the program before graduating.
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Where he fits in Roberts’ system
New Auburn defensive coordinator Ron Roberts ideally would like to run multiple fronts (even and odd, or three-man and four-man fronts).
Walker fits as a 5-technique (strong side end) in a three-front, and a 3/4i (interior DL) for a four-front.
I think he’s got to have a little more twitch and get-off to hold that strong side end spot down where Colby Wooden is leaving. Yet, he’s not a mauler in the middle either. He’s got to find a niche quickly or he will be in the same boat as he was before.
Walker has potential, but could really elevate his play if he specializes to one of those spots. I think he’s best fit to trim up and play on the end.
