http://www.blueandgold.com/content/?aid=1944

 

This article really tells it all. I don't think there is a more unappreciated (by the national media) and underrated player than Darius Walker. I, like many others, am excited about the sight of James Aldridge and Munir Prince, along with hopefully Armando Allen next fall, but Walker is every bit as good and is just a 'gamer'. The guy is so versatile and I think he is really, really going to breakout this year. He is much better than Mike Hart too. I don't even want to hear about that kid. My high school played him a few years ago and we completely shut him down. The media may keep disrespecting DW, but we all know just how important he is to our offense and the kid will be playing on Sundays in a couple years, mark it down.

DW does a great job and deserves more credit. i would say the most productive back i've seen at ND was probbly autry densen.

Great post and read, I agree IrishNY, DW is a gamer and HUGE part of the offense. He doesn't get the respect he deserves but he's a team guy, a "Weis" guy so I'm sure he's not too worried about any accolades that dont include the team. If ND is to have a successful year and compete for a NC, DW will have to produce similar numbers, if not better than last year.

It could be argued, however, that DW's production is simply a result of a highly explosive passing attack. When other teams can only put 6 or 7 in the box, it shouldn't be difficult for many running backs to rack up good numbers. I like Darius, b/c he is strong and smart, but he does lack explosive speed, which I am sure is the biggest knock on him. If you put any other backs that are rated higher than DW into our system, how do you think they would do? Better? Worse? If Deangelo Williams from Memphis had been our back instead of Darius, we would have been playing for the Natl Championship last year.

 

Anyway, don't get me wrong...I like Darius, but I understand why he is rated lower than other backs. Even though, I had a dream two nights ago that he had added speeded and rolled for a 75 yard TD without anybody getting close to him.

If Deangelo Williams from Memphis had been our back instead of Darius, we would have been playing for the Natl Championship last year.

 

i dont think DW was the reason we didnt go to the NC. He wasn't the reason we lost 3 games, and I dont think if another running back was in our system, that it would have made a difference. they can run all day, but they have to be able to shut down teams on the other side of the ball.

darius blocks better than most backs in college football, and he catches balls out of the backfield well, two things which were big knocks on deangelo williams, but you are right that top end speed may be missing, but many believe he has gotten faster this offseason, he is supposably another one in great shape and shouldnt wear down

I see what you're saying wave, but its not like our passing attack in 2004 was anywhere close to where it was in 2005. I know he had a better year in 05, and he was definitely aided by our fantastic passing game, but on the other hand many times he simply didn't get the carries that he normally would because Charlie would attack the opposing team thru the air that day and usually wasn't stopped.

 

Also, Walker played behind a very good line last year, but its isn't a line that is comparable to the line that Michigan RBs run behind annually. Notre Dame's line this year and last was experienced, but Michigan is continually putting guys into the upper rounds of the NFL draft. With the O-line recruiting we've done over the last year, our fortunes may be swaying towards the elite side of things tho, thats the goods news.

 

Anyways, just one guys opinion. Walker does lack top end speed but he has great quickness, is remarkably strong for his size and knows how to make guys miss. You can't tackle what you can't touch. Nobody is saying he's the best back in the nation, but he deserves alot more credit than he ever gets.

Not to take away from the point of the article, but to view it objectively as the author, Todd Burlage, trys to he would have to factor in injuries. Mike Hart missed 4 games last season. I understand the article focuses on production, but I think we would all like to have McKnight talked about as one to look out for in 2006 - injury or not.

Not to take away from the point of the article, but to view it objectively as the author, Todd Burlage, trys to he would have to factor in injuries. Mike Hart missed 4 games last season. I understand the article focuses on production, but I think we would all like to have McKnight talked about as one to look out for in 2006 - injury or not.

 

agreed, it should be taken into account that DW has a deep thigh bruise for most of last season. this impeded both his speed and cutting ability. he looked a lot better after it healed (see Ohio State game). DW is a very good back. He has great hands, blocking, and vision. He also is a good runner no matter what anyone might say.

Williams/ Reggie Bush...I just threw out the first huge name I could think of, but if you think about it...we barely lost the two games we lost...And even the OSU game we were definitely in had Tommy's Pick counted. A gamebreaker guarantees you an extra TD or two. Anyway, I like Darius, and he gets it done, but it will be nice to have Aldridge if he 1.) isn't injury prone and 2.) is as good as touted.

 

I have been hearing good things about Darius' improvements, so hopefully he will have the type of season the Shark had, where he flew under the radar. The same with Rhema...I hope people forget about him as much as some of these writers have.

when speaking with Rhema at the B/G game he is very excited about this season..he said he feels great..better than before he got injured(confidence is always a plus)..I have always admired him and am anxious to watch him pick up where he left off....

GO IRISH

Welcome Domehead and that was a great bit of news.

Yeah great news. I always thought McKnight had everything it took to become a big playmaker. With all the secondaries eye balling JS all season he could have the type of year that propels him into the first round of the draft.

most definetly...the guy has great hands....good speed..knows the game...he is going to have a great year..starting in Atlanta...

I freakin' cant wait

GO IRISH

Yeah I am actually going to ATL for the opener first time I have seen em live since I was 16. Got lucky and got tix July 1st from the tech web site.

I shall be there myself(with lovely wife in hand)..

I guess Friday night they are having a N.D. pep rally at the CNN center ( not sure if that location is the correct one) but no matter where it is..we shall be there....I heard that they did have beer in Atlanta so that is a plus

GO IRISH

The greatest attribute that DW brings to the football program is his TEAM first mentality and selfless attitude.......

 

 

Ask Walker what his best game of 2005 was and he won’t tell you his 186-yard game against Stanford or his three-touchdown effort in the Fiesta Bowl. He’ll single out the seven-carry, 17-yard effort against BYU when his ability and willingness to pick up blitzing linebackers allowed Brady Quinn to throw for 467 yards and a school-record six touchdowns.

 

In today's sports culutre of me, myself, and I, its refreshing to see a young man that has an understanding about putting his team and teamates first before himself. THe fact that he represents ND football should make us all a bit proud!

 

The other thought that came to mind was as the NE Pats were racking up all of those SB titles with CW's offense they did it with one constant.....an all-pro QB, yet the WR's and RB's were all very good "role players" if you will. Fast-forward to present day ND......All-American QB, WR's, and a very very good (and humble) RB. We (ND) have all of these now, and as it looks, also in the not so distance future.........Can anyone say......NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP(s)!

Beer can make things better. I am not getting down there till sat morning but I should be there in time for gameday. Can't wait I am counting down the days!!!!

yes 47 days I believe...

(sigh) til then I sit and wait..too early to sit at the airport I guess..(yes yes my wife says I am "obsessed") geez...

Ask anyone at work and they will know when the game is thats how obsessed I am.

The greatest attribute that DW brings to the football program is his TEAM first mentality and selfless attitude.......

 

 

Ask Walker what his best game of 2005 was and he won’t tell you his 186-yard game against Stanford or his three-touchdown effort in the Fiesta Bowl. He’ll single out the seven-carry, 17-yard effort against BYU when his ability and willingness to pick up blitzing linebackers allowed Brady Quinn to throw for 467 yards and a school-record six touchdowns.

 

- Well said, 73. The two best qualities that DW brings are those that can't be measured like a 40-time or a shuttle time, and they are way more important. He brings the selfless attitude with him, and he comes up clutch in big games (Michigan in 2004 and OSU Fiesta Bowl come to mind). Any RB who fills in for Darius when he's gone has a HUGE hole to fill!