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.