Jesuit’s Walker appreciates Welker comparison

Posted Aug 17, 2011 by Nick Williams

Updated Aug 17, 2011 at 01:32 PM

Jesuit senior receiver Bryce Walker hears it everyday.

“Everyday,” he laughed.

On a daily basis, either a coach or a teammate tells Walker how much he resembles New England Patriots receiver Wes Welker. Some (who don’t know much about football) have actually asked if they are related. 

“I know our last names sound the same, but he’s Welker, I’m Walker,” he said.

And why not? Both stand 5-foot-9 and are regarded as one of the best receivers in their level.

“It’s a compliment,” he said. “He’s one of the best of all-time. But I think he likes to sit in the zone and I like to catch on the run.”

Walker led Jesuit’s receiving corps with 40 catches for 649 yards and five touchdowns. As a member of Jesuit’s secondary, he totaled 23 tackles and four interceptions, which included two against Robinson in a thrilling 29-28 victory. On special teams, he returned 27 punt returns for 272 yards and seven kickoffs for 115 yards.

Walker five said he is being recruited to play five positions (cornerback, safety, running back, slot receiver, wide out) and has received offers from Pennsylvania and Holy Cross. Also a standout baseball player, he’s had interest to play sports both at Holy Cross and The Citadel. This summer, he visited Wofford, Furman, Wake Forest, Georgia Tech, Central Florida, Harvard and Coastal Carolina.

Earlier in his prep career, Walker said he was underestimated because of his size. It only motivated him to become a better player.

“When I was younger, there was a lot of man (coverage) and they would put a linebacker on me. That was helpful.”