DeMarcus Walker Commits To Bama Over Florida, Will Still Take Visits

DeMarcus Walker enrolled at Florida State after flipping from Alabama

One of the nation's top defensive end prospects had a change of heart and decided to enroll at Florida State rather than Alabama.

DeMarcus Walker Commits To Alabama Over Florida, As Expected

DeMarcus Walker, a top defensive line recruit from Jacksonville (Fla.) Sandalwood High School, committed to the Alabama Crimson Tide over the Florida Gators Friday, as expected. Walker is a consensus four-star recruit and one of the best defensive linemen in the Southeast.

Walker is a power player with good quickness. He profiles as a bit of a tweener, and needs to be in the right defense to maximize his effectiveness. Luckily for him, Alabama offers that type of defensive scheme.

Alabama plays a multiple defense, basing from a 3-4 alignment. Walker would not be playing as a stand-up player known as the "jack", but rather on the other side in the role of the end, playing the run first and rushing the passer second. For Alabama, this is the five-technique spot. On passing downs, he will be an inside player and not an outside rusher.

Interestingly, when asked on TV by ESPNU, Walker said that Alabama is recruiting him to play the "jack" linebacker spot. However, as noted above, and echoed by ESPN's own analysts moments later, Walker is not a good fit for the position. He is closer to a defensive tackle than a linebacker.

Recruiting opponents often criticize Alabama for telling far more recruits that they can play the "jack" position than is logistically possible. This year, the Tide already told commitment Jonathan Allen that he could play the position. The difference between Allen and Walker is that Allen is actually suited to play the position.

Walker's recruitment is probably not over, however, as he has always maintained that he will take his official visits.

Walker is Alabama's 19th commitment of the 2013 class.

For more on Tide football, visit Alabama blog Roll Bama Roll, plus SEC blog Team Speed Kills.

Will DeMarcus Walker Choose Alabama or Florida? Top Defensive Line Recruit Decides Friday

DeMarcus Walker, a top defensive line recruit from Jacksonville (Fla.) Sandalwood High School, plans to commit Friday. Walker is a consensus four-star recruit and one of the best defensive linemen in the Southeast. He is expected to choose Alabama, though Florida fans are still holding out hope.

Walker is a power player with good quickness. He profiles as a bit of a tweener, and will need to be in the right defense to maximize his effectiveness. Luckily for him, Alabama and Florida both offer that type of defensive scheme.

Both Alabama and Florida play multiple defenses, though the Tide bases from a 3-4 and the Gators are a base 4-3 defense. In either defense, Walker would not be playing as a stand-up player known as the "buck" or "jack", but rather on the other side in the role of the end who plays the run first and rushes the passer second. On passing downs, he will be an inside player and not an outside rusher.

That is, if he stays at end. Walker has made an effort to lose weight and is reportedly down to about 270 pounds, but he has the frame of a defensive tackle. In a college weight program, it's easy to project him adding 20 pounds and playing even more of an inside role. That potential makes both schools a solid fit, as the transition from outside to inside is not drastic.

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For more on Tide football, visit Alabama blog Roll Bama Roll, plus SEC blog Team Speed Kills.

For more on Gators football, visit Florida blog Alligator Army, plus SEC blog Team Speed Kills and SB Nation Tampa Bay.

DeMarcus Walker To Announce August 3: Likely Between Clemson, Alabama, Auburn And Florida

DeMarcus Walker, a top defensive line recruit from Jacksonville (Fla.) Sandalwood High School, updated the status of his recruitment Saturday night via Twitter.

I will commit August 3 at a location to be named closer to that date. It will be a day to be remembered, for there can be only one!

— DeMarcus Walker (@livinglegend_44) June 17, 2012

I want to go to the place that thinks that I am their top recruit. I am not just another guy!!!

— DeMarcus Walker (@livinglegend_44) June 17, 2012

Rivals analyst Chris Nee offered his thoughts on the situation.

Rivals250 DE Demarcus Walker (@livinglegend_44) will announce 8/3. I would say the favorites are #Clemson, #Alabama, #Auburn, #Florida.

— Chris Nee (@RivalsCNee) June 17, 2012

Walker did not indicate whether he still plans to take all five official visits, as was his plan a month ago. Wouldn't it make more sense to wait until after the conclusion of the five official visits? Alas, sense is not always present in the world of recruiting.

Fans of Walker's top schools will have to see if he sticks with this new date, as he has already postponed his decision date at least once.

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DeMarcus Walker Announces Top 8, Plans To Take All 5 Official Visits

DeMarcus Walker Delays Commitment Announcement

DeMarcus Walker, one of the top defensive end recruits in the country, will not make his college choice on May 24 as previously expected. Instead, the Jacksonville (Fla.) Sandalwood product will decide in August.

I will not be annoucing on the 24th of May. I feel like I’m not ready so I will be rescheduling this event sometime in August. Thanks a lot

— DeMarcus Walker (@livinglegend_44) May 8, 2012

DeMarcus Walker Set To Decide Between Alabama, Florida And Clemson

DeMarcus Walker justified his high ranking with an impressive performance at the Orlando NFTC.