Kenneth Walker III Opens Up On Transfer To Michigan State At NFL ...

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Throughout the college football season, Michigan State star Kenneth Walker III repeatedly set the world on fire with his game-breaking running ability that left him drenched in Heisman candidacy. Eventually, the Spartans suffered some tough losses which put an end to his quest for the trophy but his draft stock continued to trend upwards. In his lone year at Michigan State, Walker’s game reached new heights. He scored more touchdowns in his final year (19) than he did in his two years at Wake Forest (17).

“At Wake Forest, I feel like that wasn’t the best fit for me in the offensive scheme so that’s why I ended up deciding to transfer and go to Michigan State,” Walker said to CBS Sports HQ. “The pro-style offense that (Michigan State) ran … I feel like that was a great fit for me and being in that position helped me a lot in making my decision.”

Of the 36 touchdowns he scored in his career, only one came through the air as he caught a score this past season for the Spartans. He expressed that his limited numbers aren’t a product of ability but rather a lack of opportunity.

“I can catch out of the backfield or run routes if I need to," Walker said. "You know, we didn’t have to (do that) we had great wide receivers like (Jalen) Speedy Nailor and Jayden Reed so … using them in the pass game (is) pretty much the reason why I believe I didn’t catch too many passes. … A lot of people question my hands and catching ability but being able to show ‘em whenever I get my chance, that’ll be great.”

Nailor, who is also at the combine, hauled in 37 passes for 695 yards and six scores. Meanwhile, Reed caught 59 passes for 1,026 yards and 10 touchdowns. In total, Spartans’ quarterback Payton Thorne passed for 27 scores with 16 split between the two impact wideouts.

When the Spartans were heading into the Peach Bowl to battle Pittsburgh, Walker who had planned to play but had a change of heart was ranked nationally in rushing yards with 1,636 and yards per game with 126.3. His stoic season also saw him overtake the school record for longest rushing touchdown which came on a 94-yarder against Rutgers. Not playing in the Bowl Game left him just two yards away from passing Javon Ringer for the third-best rushing season in program history and became the first player to ever rush for five touchdowns against Michigan in a dominant showing.

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As a member of the Class of 2019, Walker was a three-star prospect, according to 247Sports Composite. He was the No. 57 overall prospect in Tennessee, the No. 143 overall running back in the class and the No. 2,164 overall prospect in the class.

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