WR,
5-10,
185,
4.4,
250 BP
Bessemer
Nickname: D-Dub
Birthday: 7-21-82
High School: Jess Lanier
HS Coach: Carroll Cox
HS Position: WR, DB
HS Number: 8
AL Number: 8
Official Visits: Alabama
Second Choice: Alabama State
Host During Alabama Visit: Roberto McBride
Committed: 9-29-99
Roommate To Be: Triandos Luke
A two-way standout as a prep senior, Derrian played wide receiver and safety. Despite missing three games his senior season, he caught 29 passes for 561 yards and five TDs.
As a junior, he had 10 receptions for 255 yards and two TDs.
Derrian was the No. 20 prospect in Alabama by the Birmingham Post-Herald.
What Experts Say about Derrian Walker
Tom Lemming: "An underrated receiver with great hands."
Q&A with Derrian Walker
TI: Derrian, in the early phase of the recruiting process not many people had heard of you. Tell us when Alabama started recruiting you.
DW: Actually it all started last summer. My dad kept after me going to the Alabama football camp. I really didn't think I was going to go, but then I decided to go ahead. I had a very good camp in all the agility and speed drills for receivers and defensive backs. In the 40-yard dash I was timed at 4.4. Coach DuBose noticed my speed and called me to the side. He said that I had a scholarship to Alabama. He said that he liked my speed and hands.
TI: Do you consistently run a 4.4?
DW: Yes. In fact, last week at school they timed me at 4.4 in pants and regular tennis shoes. I can run a 4.3 or better.
TI: Not too many people have that kind of speed.
DW: I know, but my speed is legitimate. And I think I can even get faster. My goal is to get down to 4.2.
TI: Having that kind of speed, do you wonder why you were overlooked by other schools?
DW: Well, we ran a lot of wishbone and wing-T offense in high school, which are running offenses. A lot of people didn't know about me. Alabama found out about me because of the way I performed at their camp.
TI: Are you motivated by the fact that you weren't highly recruited?
DW: Yes, it kind of motivates me. It makes me want to strive harder to become the best I can be and make a name for myself. I don't let it bother me though, because it really doesn't matter how highly recruited a player is. What matters is performance. I just want a chance to prove myself.
TI: Tell us about your best performance in high school.
DW: Oh, no doubt it was the Hoover game this past season. Really, I can't say it was a great game because all of my stats came in the first half. But it was definitely the game I remember. In the first quarter, I had four catches for over 100 yards. One of the catches was a 58-yard touchdown. In the second quarter I caught a 34-yard touchdown and a 20-yard touchdown. On defense, I had two interceptions in the second quarter. I didn't do much in the second half, but we still won 30-29.
TI: Why? Did they start double covering you?
DW: They were double and triple covering me. And they [the Hoover offense] wouldn't throw in my direction anymore either. They had a really good passing offense. I think it's the same offense used by Kentucky. In the second half they were picking on our other defensive backs. They basically took me out of the game on both sides of the ball.
TI: You mentioned playing defensive back. Is there a chance you might end up at defensive back in college?
DW: I prefer wide receiver because that's where I played most in high school and that's where I'm preparing to play at Alabama. But if they tell me I can help the team at defensive back, I'll do whatever it takes to help the team.
TI: Which position in the secondary did you play in high school?
DW: I played mostly strong safety and some cornerback. The Alabama coaches have told me I might play defensive back. When it comes to hitting, I love to give'em and I love to take'em. So I'll be satisfied just to be playing.
TI: What are your best assets as a player?
DW: It's what strikes fear into most guys -- speed. My speed and quickness, along with my hands, are my biggest assets.
TI: In which areas do you need to improve?
DW: I still want to improve my speed. Like I said, I want to run a 4.2 or even faster. Mostly, I want to become more precise with running my routes. Once I get my routes down, It'll be tough for anyone to cover me.
TI: Have you followed Alabama for a long time?
DW: I just started watching them a couple of years ago. Before that I was always a big Florida State fan. But I started watching Alabama a lot a couple of years ago and kind of became a fan of the Tide.
TI: A year ago would have thought you'd be heading to Alabama?
DW: Never did I think I'd play for Alabama. The only other choice I had was Alabama State. I always thought that I'd go to Alabama State because that's my parents' alma mater. But when Coach DuBose made me an offer, I couldn't pass up the opportunity.
TI: How does it feel to be a part of a top-five recruiting class?
DW: It feels great. It's the dream of every kid to be a part of the Crimson Tide.
TI: What are your goals at Alabama?
DW: First, I want to make good grades and get a degree. After that, I want to make a good contribution to the football program. When I leave Alabama, I want to leave with a championship ring.
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