“David Walker on the stop!” That is a familiar sentence Bear Nation is used to hearing. Junior defensive end David Walker is one of the star players on the Central Arkansas defense, ranked No. 1 in the United Athletic Conference with a record of 2-0 and an overall record of 4-2. The Bears are also nationally ranked 25th, according to FCS polls.
Last season, Walker was a top-three finalist for the Buck Buchanan FCS Defensive Player of the Year award, a first-team All-ASUN selection and Defensive Player of the Year in 2022.
“I give God the glory for blessing me with the ability to go Division II, and humbling me to play in Division II. Then picking me to play Division I so I can show off the gifts that he has gifted me with,” Walker said. “To just be known as one of the best, shows me there is nothing that I can’t overcome if I put my trust in him.”
Walker talked about what it means to him to be playing for a nationally ranked team.
“It’s a blessing to be ranked. All the hard work we put in, but we are not too focused on the numbers right now. We’re just focused on SEMO [Southeast Missouri State University] right now.”
So far this season, Walker has 24 solo tackles and four and a half sacks.
“I’ve been playing football since I was about six or seven years old. I’ve always had a passion for playing football. I love Southern Arkansas, and I love the atmosphere of SAU,” Walker said.
“They made me the player I am today. UCA has a better opportunity for me. I love getting the opportunity to play big schools like Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, schools like that, just so I can get on the radar.”
Walker also talked about how much he loves Conway and how the city has made him a better person.
“Conway is awesome. It changed my life because I found a deeper connection with my Lord and Savior. I met great people, and Conway feels like home. I will definitely finish my career here,” he said.
Last season, Walker wore the number 0 and this season, he wears the number 8.
“When I was at Southern Arkansas, someone already had number 8 and I’m wearing it this year to honor my best friend and I just want to represent him,” Walker said.
Walker’s plans after this year are whatever God tells him.
“I want to give my plans to the Lord. I’m not thinking so far ahead right now. I’m just trying to be present where my feet are.”
Fans can catch Walker and the 25th ranked Bears on the Stripes at Estes Stadium on Oct. 14 as they take on Stephen F. Austin in a UAC conference matchup.