Illinois Running Back Commits

Jamil Walker, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound, running back from Palatine (Ill.) Fremd will play his college football in the Big Ten conference.

One of the top running back prospects in the Midwest didn’t waste any time making his college pledge.

Jamil (pronounced JUH-MELL) Walker, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound, running back from Palatine (Ill.) Fremd says he found the perfect fit in the University of Wisconsin.

“Wisconsin, Illinois and Northwestern had all offered me a scholarship,” Walker said. “After thinking it over and talking with my coaches and parents, I decided to give Wisconsin my verbal commitment.

“Wisconsin has a successful football program and it’s close to home. My parents and friends can all come watch me play. I’ll get a great education at Wisconsin and I just felt that Madison was the best place for me to grow as a student, person and as an athlete.”

Fremd assistant coach Stephen Patton had this to add about Jamil.

“Jamil will be a three-year varsity starter for us,” Patton said. “As a sophomore he’d try to run away from people but last year he was strong enough to run people over and still fast enough to separate.

“Jamil is a 10.1 100 meter guy and he’ll go head to head with Tommy Zbikowski (Buffalo Grove/Notre Dame) this year in track.

“Our entire coaching staff is very excited about Jamil’s commitment to Wisconsin. We feel that Jamil’s running style is a great fit for the Badger offense.

“Illinois and Northwestern had offered scholarships. Ohio State and Michigan both stopped in last year and were very high on Jamil but we all felt Wisconsin was the best fit.

“Wisconsin runs a lot of zone scheme and that’s where the offensive lineman will all take a step to their right or left and block who’s ever in their zone whether it be a defensive lineman or a linebacker.

“The tailback has a landmark he’s aiming for in that scheme and he picks his hole. He can cutback in between the tackles or bounce outside. Jamil is perfect for their offense.”

Jamil Walker rushed for 1,200 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior and was named 1st team all-area.