Being in a fierce battle for playing time doesn't seem to phase Sean Walker. After the 2005 he endured, it's easy to see why.

That spring, Walker suffered a knee injury that required surgery. Then, he lost his father to a heart attack. Understandably, both events took a toll on his football career.

"It really affected me. I didn't know what to do," said Walker on Monday evening. "That's something drastic. It happened-both things-unexpectedly, my knee and my dad. It was really tough on me at the time."

One year later, Walker has transformed from a young man struggling to deal with life's circumstances and the mental aspects of the college game. Now, he's a player on the verge of becoming a vital contributor, according to his position coach, Charlie Fisher.

...More... To continue reading this article you must be a member. Sign Up Now for a FREE Trial