Top DT target commits to UCF following visit
One of UCF's top defensive line targets spent Friday on campus.
Issac Walker is a big 6-foot-4, 360-pound defensive tackle from St. Francis Catholic High School in Gainesville and has been on the Knights' radar since last season. He attended the Cincinnati game as an unofficial visitor and later went to the Cure Bowl on his own. He got his offer on April 28, right at the start of the spring evaluation period.
"I had a great time," Walker said of Friday's visit. "I loved the coaches. I saw the campus, all the facilities. Everything was beautiful."
What stood out the most?
"I love the dorms," Walker said. "I love how everything is so close, the facility, the tutoring center, the classrooms. Nothing is more than a 15-minute walk. You don't have to get in a car and drive everywhere. The tutoring center and their academic support really stood out. Everybody was so nice. It felt like family when I was there."
He spent the most time with his recruiter, tight ends coach Sean Beckton, and Mike Dawson, who would be his position coach.
"They told me they'll be losing five defensive linemen when my class comes in," Walker said. "They play a 3-4 style defense and would love to have me at nose guard. They said they loved my aggression off the ball. I'm quick. I ran a laser-timed 5.0 flat forty (yard dash) at the Rivals Combine and weighed in at 360. They were very impressed."
He met with head coach Scott Frost at the conclusion of the visit.
"He told me he would love to have me," Walker said. "No pressure. He wasn't trying to make me commit. He just told me it would be great to have me. He told me he thinks I'm an amazing player and he looks forward to me being a Knight, if that's my choice."
Walker, who has 10 offers, lists an all-Sunshine State top three.
"UCF is No. 1 right now, FAU is No. 2 and FIU is No. 3."
Walker has yet to visit FAU or FIU, but thinks he might be ready to make a commitment by the end of the summer.
"I think I might make a decision before the season," he said. "I need to talk with my parents about it."
Walker added that he was familiar with UCF incoming freshman linebacker T.J. Pitts, who is from nearby Williston. He's thinking about a future career path in real estate or coaching.
Update: Walker decided to commit on Saturday night, a few hours after this initial interview.
"First off, I want to think God for the opportunity," Walker said in a message posted to Twitter. "I want to thank my family, teachers and coaches at St. Francis, friends and everyone who supported me. You've helped me develop into the person and athlete that I am today. I am officially announcing my commitment to become a student-athlete at The University of Central Florida. #RiseAKn18ght"
