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DAVID WALKER was a key original appointment by Coach Dave Wannstedt in 2005 as Pitt has put a renewed emphasis on developing a potent and punishing running game. Entering his third season as running backs coach, Walker has helped Pitt take significant steps in achieving that goal. Under Walker's guidance, LaRod Stephens-Howling was one of the Big East's most productive backs, ranking fourth in the conference in both rushing yards (81.2 per game) and all-purpose yards (105.0 per game). Stephens-Howling rushed for 221 yards at Syracuse last year, Pitt's first 200-yard performance since Kevan Barlow went for 272 against West Virginia during the 2000 season. On the year, Stephens-Howling rushed for 893 yards despite missing one contest due to injury. Before joining Pitt, Walker tutored four 1,000-yard rushers in his last five years as running backs coach at Syracuse. He served with the Orange from 1995-2004 and shaped an exceptional record of producing top-flight running backs. He counts among his protégés six backs who played in the National Football League. The Orange boasted a potent 1-2 punch in the backfield in 2004 with All-Big East running backs Walter Reyes and Damien Rhodes combining for 1,673 yards and 17 touchdowns. Reyes finished his career as SU's second all-time leading rusher with 3,424 yards. Walker oversaw four consecutive 1,000-yard rushers from 2000-03, a Syracuse record. In '03, Reyes rushed for 1,347 yards, the second-highest single-season total in school history. His 21 touchdowns set an Orange record. Overall, Walker coached three of the Orange's top seven all-time leading rushers. A 1993 graduate of Syracuse, Walker was an outstanding running back himself, twice earning All-Big East honors. He captained the 1992 team, leading it to a No. 6 national ranking, 10-2 overall record and 26-22 victory over Colorado in the Fiesta Bowl. Walker remains the sixth-leading rusher in Orange history with 2,643 yards. Following a year as an assistant coach at Miami's Carol City High School in 1994-95, Walker rejoined his alma mater and helped the Orange to four Big East championships. Including his playing career, he has been part of 12 bowl games. Walker earned his bachelor's degree in physical education in 1993. Personal Information Born: 12/4/69 Hometown: Rochester, N.Y. Alma Mater: Syracuse, `93 Family: Walker and his wife Marilin have two sons, Jalen (7) and Jordan (5). Coaching Experience College: Syracuse, 1995-2004, running backs. Pittsburgh, 2005-present, running backs. High School: Carol City (Fla.), 1994, assistant coach. |
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