By Barb Layton
This is the interview of Xavier Walker from Middle Tennessee. He plays Safety. I think you will find his interview to be of interest. He has a good background knowledge of football and what he would like to do with his life.
Xavier is 6'3 205-210 with a 40 time of 4.49-4.52.
For people who do not know your story, how did you end up choosing Middle Tennessee?
Mtsu has been interested in me since I was in H.S. Unfortunately my grades held me up from going to a University straight from High school. After two long years of playing junior college ball they were still in contact with me which made me feel like I was important to them and their program. I feel like they had my best interest unlike the other schools that turned their backs on me once I was basically ineligible. MT was always their so I stuck with the most loyal.
What separates you from the other players at your position?
I'm always striving to perfect my game. I believe you get in what you put out. I'm always seeking knowledge during and after the season.
Is their a specific NFL player that you try to model your game after?
I just try to be the best player I can be. I feel like I can always learn from other great vets like Kam Chancellor or Charles Woodson but overall without Hardwork you're only living a dream.
What was your favorite play/moment at Middle Tennessee?
One of my favorite moments playing at MTSU was getting the opportunity to play an SEC caliber team like University of Alabama. Growing up I always wanted to be an SEC guy. Not everyone gets to play an championship SEC team and I'm just thankful for the opportunity.
What would you say are your strengths and weaknesses?
Strengths are I'm lengthy which gives me a lot of range on the field especially at the safety position, I'm also a former offensive player so when watching film, whether practice or games, I can easily diagnose offensive schemes and tendencies. My weakness I would have to say working on finishing big plays to be an even better asset to my game and team. I feel like I left a couple plays on the field that I know I can make. I could also work on being a better tackler In open space.
How do you prepare for game day, and do you have any game day rituals?
I always say a prayer, listen to my music playlist, and speak with my mom.
Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Schools like University of Kentucky, University of Virginia, Wisconsin, Auburn, West Virginia, etc.
What areas of your game are you trying to improve? I'm currently working on getting my technique down so I can make more big time plays.
What was your childhood like?
I grew up in a single parent home. Me my mom and 7 year older brother that influenced me to play football. I never had a job I always had a dream to play football in the NFL.
What is the most important trait for a Defensive Back?
Being tough, Intelligence( I.Q), Ball skills, and speed.
Finish the sentence, Xavier Walker is?
Competitive, relentless, and dedicated.
What makes you an unique individual?
I'm a natural born leader and an hard worker.
Describe your overall career?
I've come a long way from high school ball. I made tons of improvements from I.Q to playing ability. My first year ever playing football was 8th grade. I didn't really know what I was doing then. When i got to high school i knew the only way I was going to go to college was in a football scholarship. I've always had dreams of playing D1 ball. Juco was tough and I knew if I just stayed committed and worked harder everyday it'll pay off and it did.
Does the risk of brain injury concern you?
Never. Injuries are apart of the game.
What do you enjoy most about football? I love that it's a team sport. It brings all sorts of people together that hopefully all want one goal which is to win. I love to compete and have fun.
Who is the toughtest player you'ved ever faced in your college career?
Prob Marshalls QB Rakeem Cato.
Using one word how would you describe your style of play?
I like to compete but I also like to win the battle, I'm not much of trash talker I just like to get the job done.
Mtsu has been interested in me since I was in H.S. Unfortunately my grades held me up from going to a University straight from High school. After two long years of playing junior college ball they were still in contact with me which made me feel like I was important to them and their program. I feel like they had my best interest unlike the other schools that turned their backs on me once I was basically ineligible. MT was always their so I stuck with the most loyal.
What separates you from the other players at your position?
I'm always striving to perfect my game. I believe you get in what you put out. I'm always seeking knowledge during and after the season.
Is their a specific NFL player that you try to model your game after?
I just try to be the best player I can be. I feel like I can always learn from other great vets like Kam Chancellor or Charles Woodson but overall without Hardwork you're only living a dream.
What was your favorite play/moment at Middle Tennessee?
One of my favorite moments playing at MTSU was getting the opportunity to play an SEC caliber team like University of Alabama. Growing up I always wanted to be an SEC guy. Not everyone gets to play an championship SEC team and I'm just thankful for the opportunity.
What would you say are your strengths and weaknesses?
Strengths are I'm lengthy which gives me a lot of range on the field especially at the safety position, I'm also a former offensive player so when watching film, whether practice or games, I can easily diagnose offensive schemes and tendencies. My weakness I would have to say working on finishing big plays to be an even better asset to my game and team. I feel like I left a couple plays on the field that I know I can make. I could also work on being a better tackler In open space.
How do you prepare for game day, and do you have any game day rituals?
I always say a prayer, listen to my music playlist, and speak with my mom.
Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Schools like University of Kentucky, University of Virginia, Wisconsin, Auburn, West Virginia, etc.
What areas of your game are you trying to improve? I'm currently working on getting my technique down so I can make more big time plays.
What was your childhood like?
I grew up in a single parent home. Me my mom and 7 year older brother that influenced me to play football. I never had a job I always had a dream to play football in the NFL.
What is the most important trait for a Defensive Back?
Being tough, Intelligence( I.Q), Ball skills, and speed.
Finish the sentence, Xavier Walker is?
Competitive, relentless, and dedicated.
What makes you an unique individual?
I'm a natural born leader and an hard worker.
Describe your overall career?
I've come a long way from high school ball. I made tons of improvements from I.Q to playing ability. My first year ever playing football was 8th grade. I didn't really know what I was doing then. When i got to high school i knew the only way I was going to go to college was in a football scholarship. I've always had dreams of playing D1 ball. Juco was tough and I knew if I just stayed committed and worked harder everyday it'll pay off and it did.
Does the risk of brain injury concern you?
Never. Injuries are apart of the game.
What do you enjoy most about football? I love that it's a team sport. It brings all sorts of people together that hopefully all want one goal which is to win. I love to compete and have fun.
Who is the toughtest player you'ved ever faced in your college career?
Prob Marshalls QB Rakeem Cato.
Using one word how would you describe your style of play?
I like to compete but I also like to win the battle, I'm not much of trash talker I just like to get the job done.
We would like to thank Xavier for doing this interview
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