Walker Texas ranger
Jamir Walker hopes to impress the CFL scouts
Jerad Kozey
Contributor
Jamir Walker is the humble leader on the University of Regina Rams defence, but his stats are far from modest.
Walker’s stellar career at defensive back for the Rams landed him an invite to the CFL’s Evaluation Camp that took place March 2-3 in Toronto.
The CFL invited only 60 football players from Canadian Interuniversity Sports (CIS) to travel to Toronto. Once there, the players took part in on-field workouts and testing. The testing portion consisted of six drills: bench press, 40-yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump, shuttle, and the three-cone drill.
Scouts from the CFL observed all aspects of the camp; from team interviews to physical tests, nothing was left un-judged.
“My best attributes are my on-field skills,” Walker said. “The weight lifting and testing is one thing, but on field is a totally different story. I am a ballhawk; the best way to contribute, I feel, is to always know where the ball is, and having the ability to go get it. I believe that my on-field performance will show that I can continue this success in the CFL.”
Walker’s stats back up this statement and legitimize his apparent “ballhawking” ability. In 2010, Walker racked up five picks – three being taken back for touchdowns – which put him at the top of the CIS for interceptions. This feat also got him named to the CIS first-team all-Canadian and an invite to the Vanier Cup, where the CIS’s formal award ceremony takes place. In 2011, Walker’s numbers did not waver, as he posted four interceptions and got another invite to the evaluation camp.
“2010 was a big year for me,” Walker said. “I really cemented myself at my position – defensive back – for the Rams, and really showed myself that I could play at a high level. The awards banquet was a real eyeopener. The formality, and media presence, gave it a very business-like feel; it made me want football to be my profession.”
That day could be closer than Walker might think, as his performance last weekend could determine his future for next season. With that in mind, Walker is not taking the opportunity for granted and worked hard to show well at evaluation camp.
“The work-outs have definitely increased [since being selected to evaluation camp]” Walker explained. “I am in the gym five days a week for preparation, which is quite a bit more work then the regular three days a week. My workouts are much more specific as well; I train[ed] in order to get the maximum production at E-camp.”
Aware that football could be his job next year, Walker – though hopeful for this year’s draft – knows that the evaluation camp isn’t the end of the line.
“This weekend [was] important, but it is not the end of the world. I still have one more season of eligibility. Paul Woldu – a previous Ram – was never invited to E-camp and now look at him; he has three rings with the Montreal Alouettes,” Walker said. “Lots of players get picked up after their final season in CIS. I just have to make sure that if I do come back, I come back determined. I want to go out with a bang.”
Walker has the passion and desire to continue to get better and knows his successes will not come with out work. Though his on-field talent is obvious, Walker feels he can still improve.
“There is always room for improvement in all fields,” he said. “I feel everything needs work, I always want to be better, and you cant just be better by working on just one thing.”
This positive outlook is Walker’s best quality. His humble attitude towards his skill, and awareness of the need for improvement, makes him an excellent pick and a valuable asset for the future of any team in this year’s draft.
