Eli Walker, D.J. Reed bring special chemistry to K-State defense

Eli Walker and D.J. Reed haven’t played a single football game together at Kansas State, but they have been teammates for years.

The junior defensive backs were members of the same secondary two years ago at Cerritos Junior College in California, and they planned to reunite.

Not long into their first game, they realized they had chemistry. Not just any kind of chemistry, either. It felt special, the type of connection that would eventually carry them both to the Big 12.

“We didn’t start off that close, but we came together fast on the field,” Walker said. “The way we communicated and helped each other in that first game, it felt like we had played together our whole lives. We locked down our side of the field and did everything right. That’s where our bond comes from.”

Reed impressed immediately at corner that season and transferred to K-State, where he is now a captain after making 75 tackles and three interceptions on his way to Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year honors a year ago.

Walker stayed at Cerritos as a sophomore, but played well enough to become a sought-after recruit. He was one of the top-rated junior college safeties in his class after piling up 117 tackles and four interceptions in two years. Several major conference schools offered him scholarships, but he chose the Wildcats. Reuniting with Reed was one of the biggest reasons why.

“Our relationship is pretty strong,” Walker said. “I felt like with him being here it would be the perfect fit for me. In junior college, we stuck together. We basically spoke all of this into existence. We always talked about how much we wanted to play together at the Division I level, and here we are.”

It will be fascinating to see what Reed and Walker can do together at K-State.

Reed enters the year with every preseason accolade imaginable. Many expect him to be one of the finest corners in the Big 12 this season.

Much less is certain about Walker. Though he was viewed as a major addition on signing day and has played well in practice, it might be a while before he earns playing time.

Kendall Adams is locked in at free safety after starting all 13 games there a year ago, piling up 62 tackles and two interceptions along the way. Strong safety remains up for grabs, but it appears sophomore Denzel Goolsby, a converted receiver from Wichita, has a leg up on that starting job.

As of now, Walker says he is practicing behind Adams with K-State’s second-team defense.

But that could change.

“I used to have expectations for myself, but I stopped doing that and just decided to work hard,” Walker said. “The harder I work, the better I play. I just want to get that starting position and go from there. If I continue to do what I have been doing and learn the playbook, I feel like I have a high chance of starting.”

Reed thinks his old friend will make an impact, regardless of his role.

“This is a very athletic team with a lot of playmakers, and Eli is one of them,” Reed said. “He is a dog on defense. He can do it all.”

At the least, Walker should boost depth within a secondary that has needed it in recent years.

With Reed helping him off the field, his transition will should be smooth.

He could also bring a change of pace. His playing style is slightly more physical than your typical defensive back.

“You can’t miss from watching his tape how he hits people as a safety,” K-State defensive coordinator Tom Hayes said. “He’s not just trying to tackle you now, he’s trying to tear your head gear off. That’s just him. He’s a very aggressive hitter and tackler, and that can become contagious to your defensive team. I know the Cerritos coaches feel like it was there. It’s impressive to watch it on tape when he gets after people. Hopefully, he’ll bring that to Manhattan and incorporate that into our defense.”

This story was originally published August 17, 2017 at 10:33 AM with the headline "Eli Walker, D.J. Reed bring special chemistry to K-State defense."