The South Carolina Gamecocks scored a major recruiting win last week by flipping four-star EDGE Julian Walker from a Michigan commitment. Walker, who had previously been set on joining the Wolverines, ultimately chose the Gamecocks, even over a late push from North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick. The announcement came just two days before Walker and his Dutch Fork Silver Foxes secured the 5A Division-I state title, marking the program’s fourth consecutive championship. Following the win, Dutch Fork head coach Tom Knotts shared his thoughts into the final stages of Walker’s recruitment during a postgame interview with WACH Fox’s Claire Foley.
“I was a little worried about him because he was so distracted,” Knotts said. “Belichick kept him on the phone for an hour, promising money and all kinds of incentives. It was just crazy.” He added, “He was under a lot of stress.”
There were previous reports out highlighting North Carolina's General Manager Michael Lombardi’s recent fundraising trip to Saudi Arabia, which happen to coincide with the Tar Heels signing 39 players last week. It was a haul that ranks fifth in Division I. However, despite the attention and the financial appeal from North Carolina, Walker's decision ultimately came down to comfort and the right fit. And for the Irmo native, the Gamecocks felt like home, with the proximity to his current residence sealing the deal.
Walker joins a recruiting class at South Carolina that ranks 15th nationally, the program's strongest under Shane Beamer. According to Rivals, Walker ranks as the No. 2 signee in the Gamecock class. He is No. 72 overall inthe
Walker’s addition to the team gives South Carolina a high-impact defensive weapon as the Gamecocks look to continue building one of the top recruiting classes in the nation.