:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/16725357/20130406_jla_sb4_157.0.jpg)
Position: CB
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 170
Hometown: Virginia Beach, Va
High School: Salem HS
Year: RS Freshman
Divante Walker was rated as just a 2 star prospect, despite being named to the All-Tidewater first-team and leading the Beach District in rushing with nearly 1700 yards. He averaged over 10 yards per carry. He was rated by Rivals and ESPN as a RB, but by Scout as a CB. In reality, he was seen as an athlete who could end up anywhere.
Most of Walker's offers were from FCS schools such as ODU and JMU. The offer from the Hoos was the only FBS offer he had. With the RB depth the Hoos have, Walker was slotted at CB right away. One of the biggest knocks against him as a RB was his lack of size. A 170 pound RB is pretty small. Walker has good-but-not-great speed, in the 4.6 range. He's pretty quick in his movements and fluid in the hips, which can make for a good all-purpose back, but a 170 pound RB with 4.6 speed isn't going to turn many heads. Defense was the best place for Walker.
He redshirted last year, and has been working in the weight room. If he can add some size and keep his speed and quickness, he'll get a shot at CB before too long. Right now, he's still too slight to play CB. He could be an asset on special teams, but again may not have the strength required to flight off blockers.
He'll likely spend most of this season on the sidelines, although he may get into a game here and there on special teams. He's just a redshirt freshman, and there's a lot of guys ahead of him on the depth chart. He'll work on his game and his body, and look to make an impact in the future. He's the type of guy who could break through as a junior and give the Hoos a couple of good seasons as an upper-classman.