Shea Walker – Finishing the job

Cretin Derham Hall lineman Shea Walker has helped lead his team to a Section championship. Playing mainly offensive guard, the Raider blocker has helped pave the way despite an injury to their quarterback. With only one loss, the Raider's and Walker are focused on finishing the job they have been so close to the last few years.

"The last couple of years we have been really close," said Walker. "We were in the state championship when I was a sophomore and last year we were in the semi-finals. We have been so close. It would mean the world to me and my team if we could get to this position again. I just know I really try to be a leader for my team, get everyone ready and making sure they are getting the best out of me, because I expect the same out of them."

In order to get this far, the Raiders had to overcome the loss of their quarterback in the middle of the season.

"We have definitely grown as a team," said Walker. "Before (quarterback) Mark (Alt) got hurt, before that Stillwater game, we were pretty much the same team we have always been. A high powered passing - score a lot of points like we have always done. When we lost him that was kind of an eye opener for us, but we really got to establish the run game. We weren't as ready to pass the ball like we normally do with our back up quarterback. Even though he did a great job, we developed our run game and it got really good. Even though we lost that Stillwater game I think it made us a better team. We've become closer as a team and we know we need to work hard to win these games. Nothing is promised in life and we have to work hard and treat every game like it's a big game."

Walker, who also has played some on the defensive line, has treated each play like it is a big play.

"My goal before my senior season was I had to play every down like it is my last. I really want to play college football and I need to show these people I can play."

He has been focusing on a specific area of his game to show college recruiters that he can play.

"I worked a lot over the summer on my strength and bench press so that would work into my punch off of the line of scrimmage. I focused on getting into the guy, getting under him and punching him, locking him up and keeping my legs driving - pretty much run blocking."

A number of recruiters have noticed Walker. He has received offers from Mankato State and Winona State, has visited those two as well as Minnesota-Duluth and Northern Iowa. Some of the other schools that have Walker on their radar are Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Saint Cloud State and North Dakota. He hit a number of camps over the summer, all schools that had expressed interest in him. He went to Northern Iowa, Iowa, North Dakota State, South Dakota State, Mankato State and Iowa State.

"After going to the camps it made me realize I am a pretty good player. I only went to these camps because these schools were showing interest. It was just off of junior film they got off of me," said the 6'2" 290 pound Walker. "They wanted to see me in person. I was going against Big Ten prospects, but I went against these guys fearlessly, making a name for myself. "

Walker is taking his time with the process. He is focusing on finishing the job he and his teammates have worked so hard for and finish his high school career strong. Then he will continue on with the college search. He said he will be looking for somewhere he can feel comfortable for four years. He wants to play for a team whose position coach is easy to get along with since he will be spending a lot of time with him during the season.

"I sent out some more film so I am just going to sit back and play the waiting game and see what comes. Whenever it happens, I will make that decision with my family and it will hopefully all work out."