Sept. 14, 2004

Notre Dame running back Darius Walker spoke with the media after Tuesday evening’s practice. With the new interview policies at Notre Dame for the football team (offensive players available only on Tuesday), the Sports Information Department has compiled Walker’s quotes on a special occasion due to the large media demand.

On dealing with the media spotlight and the television cameras…

Walker: “My interest, as far as a major goes, is going to be performing arts. I would like to try to do a little acting. Maybe this is practice. I am just comfortable in front of the camera.”

On his impression of his play after watching the Michigan game on tape…

Walker: “I got a chance to catch it. It was interesting. It is weird being on the field and seeing yourself. You are accustomed to big time players out there running the ball and you hear the commentators talk about you. It is cool, I guess.”

On his impression of Michigan…

Walker: “Michigan is a great team. They were number eight in the country coming so we were playing some top notch competition. They were a great squad and played a great game.”

On his expectation of playing time going into the Michigan game…

Walker: “I don’t know if I thought I was going to play. I was just hoping that the team was going to win and play a much better game.

On is new star status and being in the spotlight…

Walker: “It is a little busier. I am handling it alright I guess. I am a used to (being a target) from high school. I guess I have a bit of a target on my back after that last game. I am up for the challenge. I am not worried about that too much. I am all about going out and trying to do my thing and work hard.”

On his work with pass blocking…

Walker: “I think I can work on all my game. I don’t think I can be too good. I want to work on my blocking skills, passing and running. I want to work on my overall game and improve.”

On his official visit during the Florida State game last season…

Walker: “What was spectacular about it, I thought, was that even thought the team did as poorly as they did, or not as good as they wanted, that the fans still recognized that we are still Notre Dame and still a family. I though there was a family unity within the team and the student body. That was very special to me. I know it pushed Notre Dame up a notch.”

On any of the upperclassmen talking to him to keep him grounded…

Walker: “I think we all kind of try to help each other stay grounded. Whether you are a freshman or an upperclassmen we each try to help each other out and that is why I like this team. I like the progress we are making and the direction we are going. We are helping each other stay grounded and encouraging each other to do well.”

On his first college touchdown run…

Walker: “It was my first college touchdown. It was a little sentimental for me. I couldn’t believe that I was out there at first and then to score a touchdown made it a little crazy for me. The team was very excited about it and we did well. Hopefully we can continue to do well this week.”

On the decision to wear #3…

Walker: “I wanted a single digit number. I was #7 in high school and that was something I was pushing to get. Carlyle Holiday kept the number and three was the only single digit number left.”

On his running style…

Walker: “I try to be a back that can do it all. I want to be a back that has the power to run over you, but I also want the speed to outrun you. I want to be an all-purpose back. I try to do the best I can in everything.”

On his relationship with starting running back Ryan Grant…

Walker: “Ryan and I talk all the time. We are very close. He tells me to keep working hard and is just a great person and a great back. It is unfortunate that he has his hamstring problem and I hope that he comes back and does well.”