East County Athlete of the Week: Dylan Walker

Dylan Walker is a rising senior at The Out-of-Door Academy who is expected to be a pivotal player for the school’s football and boys soccer teams this upcoming school year. Walker, a wide receiver, kicker, punter and defensive back, made a big difference on defense last season with 46 tackles (nine for a loss of yards) with an interception, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and five pass breakups. Walker just returned from visiting Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, and a football camp at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He next leaves for a visit to Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia.

When and why did you start playing football?

I started playing football in eighth grade after some of my friends encouraged me to join the team. I had grown up playing baseball and soccer my whole life, but once I started playing football, it became my main passion and focus. I love the camaraderie of football. You go into each game as a team. There’s no individuals. It’s 11 men versus 11 men at all times.

What has been the most memorable moment this summer?

Going up to the Boston College mega camp as a team. We had about 10 of us and we had three of our coaches come with us. It was a great team bonding experience. We got to walk around Boston and go out, and of course compete at the camp. My favorite part was going to Fenway (Park), which was pretty cool. I had never been there before.

What is your favorite all-time football memory?

It would probably be beating Saint Stephen’s last year 12-2 on their field in our annual rivalry game and bringing back the Headmaster’s Cup. It’s always a heated matchup with a lot of emotion, and winning it means a lot to our school. After the game, their headmaster had to walk the trophy over and hand it back to our headmaster, which was a great feeling.

What has you most confident about this year’s Out-of-Door football team?

Everyone on our team has been working hard and there’s been a lot of improvement. I think that hard work over the summer and all of us coming together is going to come together this season. We have a lot of unbreakable bonds and strong chemistry. We’re hoping to make a run to the state championship. That’s always the goal.

What has gone right for you lately in your development as a player?

Definitely my development as a leader, especially being an upperclassmen now. I’m setting a good example because after next year I’ll be gone, but I want our ODA program to continue to be strong. 

What was important about your recruitment visits?

I’m looking for a high-academic school where I can play football, and I think going out there on a bunch of visits and camps will help me get offers to play at the next level.

What will your major be in college?

I’m looking to double major in economics and statistics. I want to work in business and financial analytics. I’m a big math guy. I took Calculus AB this past year and I’m taking Calculus BC this year.

What has been your most humbling moment in football?

Losing to Jupiter Christian in the playoffs last year. They’re a really strong team with a lot of legit future college players. That game opened my eyes and showed me what it takes to compete at the next level. It pushed me to work harder.

What is your favorite meal?

This answer usually changes, but right now I’d have to say a Cuban sandwich. I don’t have a specific place, but if it’s on the menu, I’m going to order it.

What is your favorite TV show or movie?

I don’t watch much TV or movies, but if I had to choose, I think it would be Moneyball just because I love how sports have become about numbers, and that’s basically what Moneyball is about. 

What is your go-to warm-up song?

Any Lil Wayne song. I have a full playlist of just him. Hustler Musik is my favorite. 

If you’re not playing football or soccer, what are you doing?

I’m either working out or studying. That’s kind of how I roll. I’m normally pretty busy, so I don’t really have much free time.

Who is your favorite football player and why?

My favorite player is Cade Klubnik. I’m a big Clemson fan. I think he’s going to be a Heisman candidate this year, hopefully. I look up to him because of his leadership. He knows how to keep the team focused and calm in tough situations.

Finish this sentence. Dylan Walker is…

Driven.