Kareem Walker
Redshirt sophomore running back Kareem Walker has exited the program. Walker was a 2016 signee out of Wayne (NJ) De Paul Catholic, and I gave him a TTB Rating of 88 (LINK).
A one-time Ohio State commit, Michigan thought they pulled off quite a coup by getting a highly ranked running back from New Jersey and out of the clutches of the Buckeyes. Unfortunately, academic issues caused Walker to redshirt as a true freshman. Some thought he might not last at Michigan, but he hung around for the 2017 season, in which he ran 20 times for 68 yards (3.4 YPC) and 1 touchdown. His best game came against Rutgers when he ran 6 times for 34 yards and 1 score.
Ultimately, a combination of academics and injuries seem to have caused his departure. No destination has been named, but some school out there will get a chance to land a 6’1″, 211 lb. running back with a pretty solid recruiting pedigree. If he can get his body and habits right, he could still be a good back for someone out there.
Michigan is now down to the 85-man scholarship limit (LINK). Walker is one of eight players from the 2016 class to have departed already, joining TE Devin Asiasi, WR Kekoa Crawford, RB Kingston Davis, LB Dytarious Johnson, WR Nate Johnson, LB Elysee Mbem-Bosse, WR Ahmir Mitchell,
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This is one where urban outsmarted UM. OSU was smart to back off. Walker was certainly as good of a recruit as UM has been bringing in at RB lately. But it was clear based on his senior year and all star game that his ranking was inflated, even after downgrade. He has power, but runs high and is not super slippery. Hope he is able to finish out his degree at his next stop.
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From what I heard, OSU discovered Walker was dealing with a hip injury that concerned them, so they backed off. Meanwhile, either Michigan didn’t find out about it, or they thought it was something he could overcome.
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