Vikings Rookie Camp Feature: Michael Walker, RB, St. Cloud State

michael walker

At 5’10”, 225 lbs, Walker really packs a punch when he takes the field as a running back.

This weekend, he is hoping that the Vikings see that skill and effort and choose to give him an opportunity as a free agent.

As a junior at St. Cloud State in 2012, Walker was named First Team All-NSIC North. He rushed 151 times for 748 yards (including five games with 100+ yards). On October 13 of that year, Walker ran for 166 yards and three TDs.

Last season, Walker rushed for 860 yards and 20 touchdowns. On the receiving end, he also caught 23 passes for 223 yards and four touchdowns.

Walker participated in Pro Day at the University of Minnesota on March 3, and he slated a noteworthy 4.5 in the 40-yard dash. Walker said he unfortunately tweaked a hamstring during the 40, so the remaining day’s events were affected by the minor injury. Walker is hoping he can accurately reflect his abilities during this second chance at mini camp.

The Vikings have already acquired a couple new RBs in Jerick McKinnon and Dominique Williams, so Walker will certainly have his work cut out for him.

“There’s going to be a lot of competition and I’m going to enjoy that,” Walker said in an earlier interview. “I’m going to give it 100 percent. I’m ready to go. It’s hard to get recognized coming from a small school. It’s nice that they’re taking this chance.”

GET TO KNOW MICHAEL WALKER

Q: How long have you been playing football? 

Walker:  I have been playing football for 14 years.  I started in 3rd grade playing in a youth tackle football league.

Q: Have you always played the position that you do now? 

Walker:  I have always played running back, and I also played safety. I played both ways in high school and was recruited to play safety at the college level as well. Coming to St. Cloud, I was given the option to choose which position I wanted to play, and [I] chose RB.

Q: What does it mean to you to be invited to the Vikings rookie training camp? 

Walker:  It’s a blessing to be invited to the Vikings rookie training camp. Coming from a small school, all I wanted was an opportunity. I’m getting the opportunity and plan to make the most of it.

Q: What number do you wear and why?

Walker: When I came to St. Cloud, a senior had my high school number (#21 — I was a huge LaDainian Tomlinson fan growing up).  I chose #20 because my little brother, who was in high school at the time, wore #20.

5. If you could have 1 day to train with any current NFL player, who would that be? Why? 

Walker: If I could have one day to train with any current NFL player, it would be Adrian Peterson. He is the best running back in the NFL with a tremendous work ethic, which he made evident coming off his ACL surgery and putting up the huge numbers  he did.

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Walker is one of five athletes represented by Greg Johnson of Origin Sports Management that has been invited to the Vikings rookie camp. Visit the main Vikings Territory page to view features on the other players.

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