There was a time when Devontez Walker, who left last season amid a dispute with the NCAA, was considering some unpleasant options.
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — There was a time last season when Devontez Walker was considering unpleasant options after leaving the team amid a dispute with the NCAA.
“Honestly, I thought the season was over. I was on the scout team and I thought I was just trying to work on my skills. All year long I thought I was going to be playing. I had no idea,” Walker said. “It was a 50-50 split on the draft pick.”
Declaring for the draft after missing an entire season would have been a risk, and Walker doubts he probably ended up staying at North Carolina, but in the end there's no need to worry. There was no. Walker was eventually cleared to play for the Tar Heels, and after playing eight productive games, he entered the draft and was selected in the fourth round by the Baltimore Ravens.
Walker's college career was something of an adventure. He was originally scheduled to play at East Tennessee State University, but he injured his knee and postponed his enrollment. He ended up going to North Carolina Central, but the Eagles were unable to play due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Walker ultimately played two seasons at Kent State, but after transferring to North Carolina, the NCAA initially denied him immediate eligibility and treated him as a two-time transfer.
But that wasn't the end. Tar Heels coach Mack Brown issued an unusually harsh statement condemning the decision, and the NCAA Board of Governors said its members had received threats of violence. The NCAA ultimately reversed course and granted Walker an exemption in early October.
Now NCAA players can play immediately no matter how many times they transfer. The Division I board approved the change last month after a federal judge issued an injunction to that effect.
Walker no longer has to worry about the rapidly changing landscape of college athletics. He caught 41 passes for 699 yards and seven touchdowns at North Carolina and was the latest receiver drafted by the Ravens as a potential playmaker for star quarterback Lamar Jackson.
“Just hearing that NFL teams value your skill set and you as a person makes you feel good,” Walker said at rookie camp last weekend. “It just felt great. I continue to have that same feeling now that I'm here and I'm enjoying every moment I spend here, so it's been really good.”
Baltimore has drafted at least one wide receiver in six of the past seven years, including 2023 first-round pick Zai Flowers. This year, the Ravens took cornerback Nate Wiggins in the first round. The Clemson standout showed off his speed at the NFL Scouting Combine by running the 40-yard dash in 4.28 seconds. However, Walker wasn't far behind at 4.36 seconds.
“Definitely a vertical threat, crossers, posts, go-balls, all the vertical routes I bring to this league,” Walker said. “I feel like with my skill set, I can get through any defense and do a really good job. What I'm trying to work on is underneath routes, like routes under 20 yards, getting open in those types of spaces and things like that. That’s what I’ve been working towards.”
Flowers is coming off a strong rookie season, and the Ravens have another former first-round pick and receiver in Rashod Bateman — not to mention a solid group of tight ends. However, with Odell Beckham Jr. not in Baltimore, there is room for Walker to step in and make an impact if he is able.
“We should have known he was going to be big and fast. He showed it,” coach John Harbaugh said. “I was impressed with how well he changed direction and moved. I didn't know if he was going to change direction well or not. …Caught the ball really well. He got off to a great start. I’m here.”
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