Malik Walker
Running Back / Portland State
Christopher Reiss: What are your measurements? (Height, Weight, 40 time)
Malik Walker: 5’10, 202lbs, and 4.55 40-yard dash.
Christopher Reiss: During COVID-19, what have you been doing to prepare for the 2020-2021 season?
Malik Walker: Not going to lie, COVID-19 has been one of the best things that has happened to me because it gave me time to reflect on myself and on my goals. I have been training in California where I am from. I have been training with some top tier players and coaches, some D-I college players and some professional football players. Working with these athletes, I have gained over 10 pounds of muscle. But with gaining that muscle, I also got faster. I have gotten strong and bigger and on top of that I am now faster too.
Christopher Reiss: When breaking down your film, what would stick out?
Malik Walker: I am consistent on the field is what you will see on film. I do not think that there is a team that can stop me from getting my five-yards per carry every time. I have been around the game of football my entire life. I know the game of football better than most. I am a smart player. I know what to do 9 times out of 10.
Christopher Reiss: Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?
Malik Walker: I only did track and field in high school besides football. I never wanted to play any sports that would ruin my chances in playing football at the next level. In track, I ran the 100m, 200m, 4 x100m, and 4x400m.
Christopher Reiss: In high school, what other positions did you play in high school?
Malik Walker: In high school, I played mainly RB. I played a little bit of slot and on defense, I played safety, but coach did not want me playing both ways.
Christopher Reiss: What schools were interested in you coming out of high school?
Malik Walker: Junior year, I had some D1 schools looking at me. I ended up getting injured in the first preseason game of my senior season. I was out for seven games. After that, I had a few schools that were interested in me, Montana State and Riverside City College.
Christopher Reiss: Why did you transfer from Riverside City College to Portland State University?
Malik Walker: All and all, I thought Portland State was a good fit for me. The scheme was a very similar to what we ran at Riverside, which was another key factor on why I transferred. One of the teammates that I played with transferred to Portland State and told me that he was all in on the program and was just telling me that I need to transfer, and I listened to him. Portland State took the chance on me and ever since then, I have been grateful to them and will always appreciate what they have done for me and my football career.
Christopher Reiss: What are the strengths of your game?
Malik Walker: My drive to get better and better each day. I mentally think that there is not a person that can stop me. I have been putting in hours and hours in the film room, studying my film and other great players. Film study has helped me greatly.
Christopher Reiss: What are some assets of your game that you are trying to improve?
Malik Walker: I want to be more elusive. Something that I have been training to do recently has been trying to hurdle a player. Another thing I have been improving is my flexibility.
Christopher Reiss: How would you describe your overall career?
Malik Walker: It was a big change. Growing up, I was kind of nerdy and not really athletic. I played with some great athletes when I played in Pop Warner, which made me want to become a better athlete. I chose to get better and train every day for hours and hours when I was young. I played for the “Chargers” when I played in Pop Warner and had 2,400 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns. After that season, I knew football was my true passion and I was not going to let anyone stand in my way. My career after that has been very good and I am proud of myself to make it this far, but I am not 100% satisfied.
Christopher Reiss: What are the expectations for Portland State University?
Malik Walker: The goal this year is to get better as a team. If we can work as a team, then we can achieve our main goal which would be to win the Championship.
Christopher Reiss: Is there anyone on your team that we should keep our eye out for this season?
Malik Walker: WR Davis Koetter, WR Emmanuel Daigbe, RB Jobi Malary, and TE AJ Ruffin.
Christopher Reiss: Is there anyone in the NFL that you look up to?
Malik Walker: Easy, Saquon Barkley. He is the guy.
Christopher Reiss: What is the highlight of your career?
Malik Walker: At Riverside City College, it was the very first play of the game on the first drive of the game. I took the hand off for a 65-yard touchdown. It was a super cool moment and one I will never forget. Also, one of NFL Network’s analysts Adam Rank, shouted me out on national television. Rank went to the same high school that I went to, but years and years before me. The football team when he went, was not very good. That is why I got the shout out from Adam Rank.
Christopher Reiss: What do you enjoy the most about football?
Malik Walker: What I enjoy most about football is how it teaches you about becoming a man. All the lessons that you have to go through and all the adversity that I have to face on the game field. Football will not just help me right now. It will help me for years to come.
Christopher Reiss: What does life after football look like for you?
Malik Walker: My plan is to play in the NFL for as long as I can. Then I would like to coach either in college or the NFL, if I have the opportunity.
Christopher Reiss: What are in majoring in?
Malik Walker: I’m a Physicist major.
Christopher Reiss: What or who motivates you?
Malik Walker: My parents motivated me. The people around me were also really very motivating like friends, coaches, and neighbors. My neighbors would see me running down the road and yell “sell me tickets when you make it big.” The fame and the money is good, but the reason why I want the money is to give back to my parents and the people that have supported through my journey.
Christopher Reiss: What is your favorite NFL team?
Malik Walker: The New York Giants and the Baltimore Ravens.
Christopher Reiss: What are some hobbies of yours?
Malik Walker: I am a big music fan. I learned how to play the ukulele. I have recently got into dancing. I like going on adventures with my friends like hiking or going to the beach. My friends and I also like to play video games especially Madden, Call of Duty Warzone, and GTA.
Christopher Reiss: On game day, what is your go-to artist?
Malik Walker: It has to be DaBaby. He goes hard, gets me hyped on game days.
