Clemson Tigers four-star running back commit Gary Walker is drawing comparisons to an NFL player.
When the Clemson Tigers and head coach Dabo Swinney were able to land a commitment from four-star 2027 running back Gary Walker back on May 20, they knew they had a chance at getting a special player.
Walker possesses big-time talent. Hailing from Fairburn, Georgia, the 5-foot-11 and 205-pound running back was highly recruited by quite a few high-profile programs.
Swinney and company were able to beat out competition from a lot of schools, including Florida State, Virginia Tech, and Penn State.
Now, the question becomes, what kind of player can Walker become for the Tigers? Clemson fans will like hearing an NFL comparison that has been made for the young running back.
Rivals has compared Walker to current Philadelphia Eagles running back Tank Bigsby.
"Gary Walker's size, decisive downhill running style, and overall skill set remind us of Tank Bigsby at the same stage," Rivals wrote. "Both also had similar production profiles. The gaits are a tad different as Walker looks to have a longer stride in the open field."
In addition to providing the comparison to Bigsby, Rivals also shared a scouting report about Walker that will help Tigers fans know what they're getting. Charles Power, an analyst for Rivals, was the one who wrote the report.
"Ascending running back with an aggressive, downhill running style. Measured in at a shade over 5-foot-11, 205 pounds prior to his senior season. Turned in a breakout junior campaign, leading his high school to an undefeated 16-0 state championship season. Decisive runner who quickly reads his blocks and works to get downhill with vigor. A “one cut and go” runner. Shows the ability to run through and spin out of arm tackles at the second level," Power wrote.
"Defenders will need to wrap up, as he will fight and break free, resulting in long runs. Has a loping, easy stride in the open field and shows the top gear to pull away. Can hit the home run with seven touchdowns from 40 or more yards out as a junior. Finished his junior season with 1,669 yards and 20 touchdowns at 9.4 yards per carry. Came up big in a tight state title game, rushing for 143 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries. Lacks verified speed metrics, but top gear looks good on film. Has limited pass-catching production. Junior season breakout gives him the look of a rising prospect who has the potential to be a bell cow at the Power 4 level."
Currently, Clemson has a top-15 recruiting class for 2027. Swinney and company come in at No. 15 on the list according to Rivals.
Hopefully, Walker is able to reach his full potential with the Tigers. If he can become the kind of player that Bigsby was in college, Clemson will be very happy with its decision to pursue him so aggressively.
