Walker Questions...

by Zandor435 on Dec 18, 2008 10:30 AM PST Comment 10 comments

LSU fan here. I am curious to hear what you guys have to say about DeWayne Walker as a DC. I will admit that I don' t really know much about Walker.

Do you like him? He seems like a standup disciplinarian type of coach. What types of defensive schemes does he like to run? I read somewhere that his preference is to play man coverage in the secondary? Does that seem to fit what most Bruin fans would think about him.

What are his blitzing tendencies?

Love to hear your thoughts on him.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of BruinsNation's (BN) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of BN's editors.

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It would take a while...

I think the best thing for you to do is a search, there have been numerous posts with lots of data.

In general, I can tell you we think highly of him, though we are a bit puzzled at some of the lopsided losses we’ve had. He’s a great recruiter, does well against pro-style offenses, plays man-to-man extensively. When he has the personnel and the right offense (i.e. he can take risks), he blitzes like no one’s business and pretty often and extensively.

But hey, what do I know. I’m just the 800 lbs bruin in the room.

by tasser10 on Dec 18, 2008 11:30 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

That is a good summary

UCLA has experienced some absolutely blow-out losses in the past few years where, admittedly, our offense did nothing but our defense also gave up tons of points (50 plus).

Generally speaking, I think most of us are happy with Walker but the defense has been somewhat inconsistent (without any logical reason) at times.

I think he tends toward more blitzing versus less, in general. It obviously depends on the talent available and what the game plan calls for.

by Barnes2JJ on Dec 18, 2008 12:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I appreciate the feedback...

I have read most of the info available online, but was looking for more anecdotal info on the guy. I would imagine that an aggressive D would get burned from time to time as part of the high risk, high reward philosophy.

I remember beating Georgia 34-13 in 2003 in the SEC championship game b/c of our tight man to man coverage and our blitzes killed them. The next year, w/ virtually the same players involved, Georgia crushed us 45-16 b/c they burned our blitzes all day.

Anyway, thanks for the info. As an aside, I am a Bruin football fan mainly because of the USC hatred. I hope Neuheisel can really get things going again for UCLA. I think LSU and UCLA are two schools that have both had more qb issues last year than most.

by Zandor435 on Dec 18, 2008 12:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Do you guys think there is any truth to the rumors of him leaving UCLA?

by LSU Jonno on Dec 18, 2008 12:36 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

not for a coordinator job

that would be unlikely

"when you've seen how big the world is, how can you make due with this?"

by silverlakebruin on Dec 18, 2008 1:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Sure

I don’t think it’s a secret. He wants a head coaching job and he is interviewing for open positions.

by Barnes2JJ on Dec 18, 2008 1:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Reverse question for you

Do you guys think there is any truth to the rumors of Miles being very interested in Walker? I am genuinely curious to hear what you folks are hearing/reading over at Baton Rouge. Thanks.

by Nestor on Dec 19, 2008 5:22 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Great Question --

At the end of last year, I got the feeling that DW’s agent or PR machine had overstated the interest in DW in order to force DG’s hand in the HC selection.

I’m hoping that they are not doing that to him, again.

I’m hoping that the interest from LSU is strong and sincere and being properly reported. If it’s not, ultimately DW will lose credibility. Reminds me of the story of “The Little Girl Who Cried Wolf”.

Is the LSU position filled? Is this story over?

sjh

by Class of 66 on Dec 19, 2008 3:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

From what I have heard

The LSU position just opened up as their DC just left for a head coaching gig. Just read that on SBN’s LSU blog – And the Valley Shook (good site IMO). The guys at AVS think there might be interest in Walker from LSU, but I have yet to read a concrete report. Only thing I have read is references to Walker from blogs like AVS and LSU fans on message boards.

So that is why I was curious about whether there were any credible reports of Les Miles reaching out to interview Walker.

by Nestor on Dec 19, 2008 5:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I asked a "wealthy" LSU Alum what the situation was.

OK, so he isn’t wealthy in monetary terms.

But, he is as committed an LSU fan as there can be. He is to LSU what many of us are to UCLA.

Here’s his answer:

"Yes, it’s a given we’ll announce a new DC right after the Peach Bowl. Walker, George Edwards of the Dolphins, and recently fired John Chavis from Tennessee apparently are the front runners. It’s a big issue at LSU, as there is tremendous pressure on
Miles to right the defensive disaster that unfolded this season. In fact, if he doesn’t make a splash in that regard, and next year resembles 08, he could be fired. We are spoiled and arrogant, to be sure, but that’s the reality. UCLA is a plumb job, for sure, but he could have immediate success at LSU vs Neuheisel rebuilding, and the money will be hard to turn down.

Do you like Walker, or do you say good riddance?"

I answered his question by saying I think Walker deserves a shot as a head coach, that I hope he gets it, that if Neuheisel wants him, I want him, but deep in my heart I am somewhat ambivalent about whether he stays or goes.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Dec 20, 2008 5:57 PM PST reply actions 0 recs