Fall Camp Spotlight: John Walker

When the defensive tackles take the field for drills at fall camp, there’s one player who Coach Kenny Martin consistently turns to as the example for how it’s done: John Walker.

A Central Florida native, Walker has embraced his leadership role in the sport he’s loved for as long as he can remember. The former four-star recruit grew up just over 30 minutes from UCF’s main campus in Kissimmee and has been playing football since he was six years old.

Being close to home has its advantages. Walker says his family has never missed one of his games whether it was home or away and their unwavering support continues to fuel him. Until last fall, Walker had never missed a game himself. That changed in 2024, when a preseason injury sidelined him for the first time in his life.

It was a frustrating turn after a stellar freshman campaign in which he recorded 24 tackles, 14 solo stops, five tackles for loss and two quarterback hurries. As the highest-rated recruit in program history, Walker had to trade his pads for patience, watching from the sidelines while itching to get on the field and contribute.

Now, with the first game of the 2025 season just days away, he’s ready to remind everyone of the player he is.

Back healthy, Walker has leaned into his voice, guiding his teammates and helping build chemistry in a program that features plenty of new faces as well as a new coaching staff.

Getting better every day 📈 pic.twitter.com/chB6XlX3Tm

— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) July 28, 2025

Coming into camp each day, Walker notes that the team is steadily building stronger connections, getting to know one another better with every practice. After spending last season on the sidelines, he’s gained a new outlook on the game and learning how he can improve his own approach.

The time off gave him a chance to study the game from a different angle, and now he’s focused on using that experience to contribute more consistently on the field with his teammates.

A homegrown athlete, Walker reminisces on the past of UCF football. He recalls being a young kid watching the Knights win the 2017 Peach Bowl against Auburn, hungry for his chance on the field.

When asked to describe this year’s team, which features some familiar faces from that historic season, Walker didn’t have to think for long. “Fast,” he said.

About UCF Athletics
UCF is a proud member of the Big 12 Conference. Our mission is to positively transform the lives of our students academically, athletically, and personally through a nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics program that enhances the reputation and visibility of the University. We strive to be Florida's preeminent athletic program representing UCF and our community with distinction on the national stage as "Orlando's Hometown Team". To learn more about UCF and Athletics, please visit our websites at www.ucf.edu and www.ucfknights.com.