Jordan Walker had spent all of his life in Hawaii.
He had just won a Division II state title completing an undefeated 13-0 season with the Radford Rams, who put together one of the best defenses in recent memory.
But as we’ve seen time and time again, kids have to do what they feel is in the best interests of themselves and their families, which is why Walker had to say goodbye.
In January, Walker transferred from Radford to Silverado High School in Las Vegas, where he will play his senior season of football.
The 6-foot-2, 225-pound linebacker reeled in his first offer last month from nearby UNLV and has added four more over the last week as Colorado State, Hawaii, Air Force and Army have all reached out for his services.
“It’s a blessing,” Walker said. “It was about three weeks ago that I took a visit to UNLV and coach (Tony) Sanchez offered me,” Walker said. “From there about a week or two after every other day a school has been offering me.”
Walker was a huge part of the Radford defense last season that pitched four shutouts and gave up seven points or less in all but one game against an OIA team.
The Rams gave up just 171 total yards in the OIA Division II title game against Kaimuki and Walker talked to Paul Honda after the game.
He also forced a fumble that was returned for a touchdown by Radford in the Division II state final against Kapaa.
Walker was one of four Rams named to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser all-state third team, which included USC commit Jordan Iosefa of Saint Louis. Radford finished the season giving up 8.8 points per game and had an average margin of victory of 29.7 points, tying the 1975 Radford team for the ninth-highest total among all Oahu schools since 1973.
“It was really difficult to leave, but (my teammates and coaches) understood what I had to do for my family and what not,” Walker said. “They will always be my brothers in my heart. It was a great experience for me having a chance to go to the playoffs my freshman and sophomores years and then come back and win a championship and go undefeated. Coach Fred (Salanoa) gave us that mentality of working harder every day and no slacking and that vision of his he gave to us really paid off at the end.
Walker will attend the Nike: Opening regional event in Seattle on May 28 and also plans to attend the All-Poly Camp in Utah in June.
I think Silverado is the same Nevada school that came in last year and stole 3 Farrington Samoan football players for a one year contract. Bishop Gorman has stolen St Louis players.
“Doing what’s best for his family…..”? What does that mean? Are the Nevada schools paying the kids to attend their school? Are they giving the parents good paying jobs over there?
@Mahatma Gandhi…Yes is was Silverado that picked up those Farrington players (4 actually) last year. Gorman’s been doing it for years. Not sure if parents are getting jobs or homes in exchange, but what I do know is Las Vegas coaches know the impact polynesians can make to their football program. That’s why their recruited so heavily.
This will be the new trend once that ridiculous 2-year sit-out transfer rule is in place.