Syracuse offers JUCO OL Issiah Walker: 'It's a great program'
Syracuse offered Issiah Walker, one of the top JUCO offensive linemen on Friday, the same week he was formally released from Purdue.
Walker, a Rivals three-star recruit in the 2020 class, originally played for Florida (2020 - 2021) and Miami (2021-22) before landing at Butler CC in Kansas this past season (2022-23). He is the 38th-ranked Rivals JUCO prospect in the 2023 cycle.
"It was great," Walker said of the Syracuse offer. "Great program. It would be a good fit. Coach (Steve) Farmer, I know him from Tulsa before he came to Syracuse. Very enthusiastic guy. He makes you laugh over the phone. He's a great guy in my opinion."
Walker said Syracuse envisions him has a left tackle.
At 6'4" and 302 pounds, Walker has the twitchiness and athleticism to excel there.
"They said I'd fit their offensive scheme perfect," Walker said. "I'm more of a pacing guy. I have quickness, but I'm more of a patient player. I love to put them on their ass. That's what I love to do."
Walker originally committed to Purdue in January, but chose not to enroll with the Boilermakers in April after his primary recruiter, Matt Mattox, departed the staff for personal reasons.
Walker also needs to fulfill an academic requirement, which he expects to finish by July.
"Once I'm done with that, I'm make a decision," Walker said.
He'll have no shortage of options to look at. Since he was granted his release from Purdue, the Orange and Colorado extended offers, with many more schools reaching out.
In January, Walker picked the Boilermakers over offers from Marshall, Western Kentucky and New Mexico, among others.
"I tell every coach I've spoken to that I'm open to all schools," Walker said. "I'm looking for a family fit for me. I just really want to take my time after what happened with Purdue and make the right decision."
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