2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: James Walker III, OL, Southeastern Oklahoma State University

• Name: James Walker III
• Position: OL
• College: Southeastern Oklahoma State University
• Height: 6’5″
• Weight: 315 lbs
• Twitter: @J_WalkerIII
• Instagram: @j.walkeriii

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

At first it was to try to pay for college and not have any student debt while getting an education, then I fell in love with football and it’s been my everything since then.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Definitely winning the 2019 SWJCFC Conference title during my last year at Navarro College. A close second is winning the 2021 Live United Bowl this past December with my team here at Southeastern.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

My grandmother is my biggest inspiration, she has been there for me since I can remember and no matter what was going on, she made sure I was fed and had a roof over my head. And I never heard her complain about work or having to run errands or anything like that, I believe she’s part of the reason I have the work ethic I do have. Just put your head down and do what you have to do.

What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?

I like to think I bring a lot of energy to the field, during practice or on game day. Everyday it’s about bringing more energy than the guy across from you.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

There is a few off the top of my head, Joe Thomas, Taylor Lewan, and Quenton Nelson. I look up to all three of those guys and take different aspects of their games and try to apply it to mine. So if I were able to sit down and pick their brains it would be any of those 3 guys.

What are your favorite things about playing football for Southeastern Oklahoma State?

From top to bottom everything here at SE is amazing. My favorite part is the guys here, the team is more of a family then a football team at the end of the day. I’ve made friendships here in the past 2 1/2 years that I will have the rest of my life.

What should we know about James Walker the person?

I’m a family person, my family is my everything to me. I have a lot of hobbies outside of football like anybody else, I love playing video games with my friends and I love to cook.

What is your favorite offensive scheme and why?

The spread, it’s what I’ve known the best and ran it in high school and a bit in college.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

I’ve learned a lot of things from football and applied them to life, and a lot of skills I’ve learned outside of football, I apply to the field. Battling adversity is all the same, it builds character and let’s you grow as a person. I also take everything step by step, analyzing everything, and not to get too overwhelmed or get too ahead of yourself.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A team would get a hard working guy who loves the game. Day in and day out, giving it all I got and trying to get 1% better everyday.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

Playing one last season with my best friends and going 1-0 every week.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

DeJante Granger. He’s one of the best if not the best Guard in the country.