Kenneth Walker III begins his final journey to design, offering his farewell to Michigan State

When Kenneth Walker III returned to the transfer portal and soon landed in Michigan State a year ago, he did not imagine where he was on Wednesday.

He stood in front of a swarm of reporters offering his latest remarks as Spartans to complete a limited attendance at Michigan State Pro Day. He was not limited because he was injured and also not because he was a longshot to be selected in the NFL Draft. He was limited due to an excellent show on the Scout combination two weeks earlier.

“I will not lie to you, I did not expect a 4.38,” said Walker of his 40-yard dash time, which was third-best under the running. “I was expecting like low 4.4s, but when I saw a 4.38, I was pretty excited.”

Many records and expectations were shattered last fall with Walker at the helm. He was named Walter Camp National Player of the Year, Big Ten Running Back of the Year, a recipient of the Doak Walker Award and voted sixth in the Heisman Trophy, while placing in the nation in many running records.

Now that he has been introduced to launch a new MSU strip, he will be the first Spartan to be drafted into the NFL in two years after the 80-year-old strip was broken last spring. Walker completed one of the key steps in the design process along with 14 others at MSU’s Pro Day, highlighting its agility and elusiveness.

Walker made his official decision on December 16, 2021 to enter his name in the NFL Draft, led by Michigan State Head Coach Mel Tucker, former Running Backs coach William Peagler and former offensive assistant and new Running Backs coach Effrem Reed. In doing so, Walker opted out of the Michigan State Peach Bowl and watched on East Lansing television – a rarity for Walker, who almost never watches football.

“I was stuck on TV,” Walker said of the Spartans’ victory over Pittsburgh. “We were down early and so I told my mom – I can go back to the text – I told her we’re still coming back and winning and that’s what they did. They pulled it out.”

It was a tough decision for Walker to sit out and watch his teammates compete in the meaningful game without him. From the first snap of the season, he made a 75-yard touchdown in the Northwest to the snow-yellow fire after his last game in green and white, he always attributed to his teammates in front of him.

Was it a good game call? Sure. Was it good blocking? Most likely. But those who drew attention to MSU’s 11-2 season are well aware that it was Walker who made that dazzling game. After all, he was a huge reason they made a New Year’s Six Bowl. However, even though he apparently set records every Saturday, he never once slapped himself on the back before beating a team-mate.

And when asked on Wednesday if he thinks he should be the first rematch in the draft, as many experts predicted, he still hasn’t once beaten his own horn. It’s just who he is.

“There are a lot of great backs,” Walker said. “I would like to be taken first, of course, but no matter where I am taken, I will count my chances and as hard as I can.”

Meanwhile, Walker trained in Pensacola, Florida to hone his skills. He participated in the NFL Scouting Combine with wide receiver Jalen Nailor and a close-knit Connor Heyward, who has been one of his best friends since arriving on campus. Heyward took Walker under his wing, guiding him through the ins and outs of Michigan State both on and off the field. It only made sense to train them together in Pensacola, despite their differences in position.

“Honestly, we’re just like ‘Let’s have fun,’ said Heyward. ” You push me, I push you at the end of the day. Let’s take the best out of each other, but let’s have fun. Let’s laugh. Let’s laugh. Let us be ourselves. ”

Six weeks into the draft, Walker will soon say goodbye to East Lansing and begin his final preparations for the draft. It includes physical tune-ups as well as interviews and visits with NFL teams. He will look at the design with his family instead of traveling to Las Vegas, but despite spending just one of his three collegiate seasons at MSU, Walker considers East Lansing his home.

“I would love to come back here,” Walker said. “You know, talking to everyone. Even around the city of East Lansing, people are so kind, come to me and talk to me. It’s great to be here.”

As for the future of Michigan State, Walker leaves behind a recent legacy. He demonstrated the limitless potential of Tucker’s program and as General Manager / Executive Director of Game Personnel and Recruitment Saeed Khalif, a few more recruits began picking up the phone or replying to messages that previously did not concern MSU.

But as always, there will still be a two-way road between Walker and the fanbase that has new energy put on the national map.

“I appreciate them for everything they did, you know, supporting the whole team and just picking me up,” Walker said. “I’m eternally grateful for that.”