Ya Gotta Love This Guy

Ivan Maisel

October 23, 2000

Derrick Walker is too used to handling difficult roles. He succeeded former Kansas State star and current New England Patriots backup Michael Bishop as quarterback at Blinn (Texas) Junior College. He then moved to Iowa State, where he was relegated to backup duties behind Sage Rosenfels. Last fall Walker completed 9 of 18 passes for 106 yards and threw two interceptions. He seemed unlikely to see much more action than that this year as a senior, so during the off-season he volunteered to play outside linebacker. The switch has paid off for the 6'2", 220-pound Walker, who has made 40 tackles, including two sacks, broken up three passes and forced and recovered a fumble. He has become a cornerstone of a defense that has helped carry the Cyclones to a 5-1 record. If Walker, who is married with two daughters, ever needs to explain to his kids the importance of taking on challenges, he can tell them about his senior season.