In life, it doesn’t matter where you come from – as long as you get where you’re going.
We’ve all heard that familiar saying, or some version of it. While perhaps cliche’, we’ve all also known folks who seem to embody exactly what that sentiment conveys.
Tray Walker is one of those people.
Walker, the Ravens’ final pick in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL draft, may have come from a small college (Texas Southern), but the 6-2, 191-pound corner plays big and is ready to compete at the pro level.
He also wears the proverbial chip on his shoulder. Never truly understanding why he wasn’t recognized by most Division-1 schools, the young rookie points to the fact that going to a smaller school helped boost his draft stock due to playing an abundance of snaps.
“It helped me out,” explained Walker on the final day of rookie camp, when asked about playing at a small school, “because of the level of competition that came from that school. And also, the guys who did come from Miami Northwestern [High School] – [there are] about 10 of us in the league right now, at least 10 of us total that are in this position that I’m in right now.”
While Walker didn’t face some of college football’s top talent week in and week out, he is familiar with several current and rookie players he may be lined up against.
“I played against those guys such as Amari Cooper – I went against him in [high school] practice – Teddy Bridgewater, other guys like that, Devonta Freeman. I played against those guys, so for them to go to a D-I school, I just feel as if they had a better opportunity and more help than I did. So, I always felt that I could play up to that potential.”
Aside from battling adversity on the football field, Walker’s biggest challenge came when his father, Tommy Lee Walker, passed away in November. Losing his father left Walker with a heavy heart and a strong desire to succeed.
“And this upcoming season – the whole process of right now – I dedicate that to him, because that’s all he wanted,” responded a somber Walker when asked if he would dedicate this upcoming season to his father. “He just wanted the best for me, and prayed to God I’d get this chance, and now I’m here.”
Now that he is here in Baltimore, Walker will have his work cut out for him during OTAs and training camp to earn a roster spot.
With the surplus of corners already returning in 2015, plus the recent addition of Kyle Arrington, it will be an uphill battle.
That’s nothing new to Walker.
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