Reggie Walker, a senior linebacker from Sacramento, Calif., has emerged as a defensive leader for K-State this season. In nine games this year, he has totaled 42 tackles — including four behind the line of scrimmage — and a sack. Though Walker has struggled at times throughout his career at K-State, he has started six games this season and serves as a leader to an inexperienced group of linebackers. Walker recently answered questions about his life outside of football, what it takes to be a defensive leader and playing for two different coaches at K-State.
Q: Seeing how you didn’t go to high school in Big 12 country, what drew you to K-State?
A: Just all the tradition K-State had. I was military-bred, and I was living in Missouri back in ’98 when they were really good, so I just grew up watching them.
Q: What kinds of things did you like to do in high school other than football?
A: I played rugby and I breakdanced a little bit. That was a big hobby of mine. I was really good as a matter of fact.
Q: As a player who came here when Bill Snyder was still the coach, what was it like to make that transition to a new coach and a new system?
A: It was a big change, I would say, because [Snyder and Ron Prince] have two different coaching styles. It kind of felt like I had to start all over again. I’ve learned a new playbook every year since I’ve been here, so that’s not a new thing.
Q: What has it been like to be considered a leader on the defense?
A: I just have to set a good example on the field, like what to do and what not to do. It’s a lot different than last year when I could just do basically whatever I wanted to do whenever I wanted to do it. I can’t do that now because I have to set an example.
Q: Is there anyone in particular from the team that you like to hang out with when you’re not on the field?
A: Just my roommates — Ian Campbell, Brooks Rossman and Brad Rooker. I hang out with them a lot. Jack Reed is a real cool guy, too. I pretty much just try to hang out with a lot of guys.
Q: Do you have any hobbies outside of football?
A: Not right now. I just listen to music a lot. I still do a little breakdancing when nobody else is looking.