Issiah Walker is Miami Hurricanes future left tackle

The transfer of Issiah Walker to the Miami Hurricanes from Florida provides the offensive line with stability at tackle for the long term future.

The addition of freshman Issiah Walker earlier this year as a transfer from Florida is a big addition to the Miami Hurricanes long term future. Walker provides stability at tackle for the long term future. Walker can play either tackle spot. The likelihood is that his long term future is at the critical spot at left tackle.

Walker projects as a versatile offensive lineman who can play either side at tackle or move inside to play guard. After spending the spring semester at Florida, Walker applied for an NCAA waiver to play in 2020. Even if Walker receives the waiver it might be in the Miami Hurricanes’ best interests to redshirt him.

Miami appears to be set at tackle with Houston graduate transfer Jarrid Williams starting at one tackle and junior D.J. Scaife or redshirt sophomore John Campbell at the other. Scaife and Campbell are both favored to earn starting spots on the Miami Hurricanes offensive line with whoever doesn’t play tackle starting at guard.

New Miami offensive line coach Garin Justice is confident in the future that Walker has on the Miami offensive line. The analysis from Justice about Walker came after just two days of training camp for the Miami football team. Walker and 2020 signee Jalen Rivers provide a bright future for the Miami offensive line.

"Issiah is a guy with big, big upside, but some times people see these guys that are highly rated recruits—and the thing about the offensive line is that it is such a technical position. Issiah is a guy where we see that potential and that ability and there is no doubt we believe he is going to be a really good player for us…But there is a lot of coaching that goes into a guy to get him ready to play. As far as his future, we see him being a left tackle because he does have a good athletic skill set and good length. All those reasons are why he was highly recruited out of high school.”"

The observations from Justice above match that from 247 Sports National Writer Charles Power who provided a scouting report on Walker when he was in high school. Walker has refined his build with Miami strength and conditioning coordinator David Feeley and is down to 290 pounds since transferring to Miami in May.

"Possesses adequate height and length with a solid build. Was initially on the lighter side early in his career, but has added substantial mass heading into his senior season. Thicker lower body, which helps in his base as a player. Added more than 40 pounds of solid mass from his sophomore to junior seasons.Is an above-average athlete along the offensive line. Light-footed with the ability to redirect in pass protection due to his body quickness. Benefiting from increased strength gains. Has a solid athleticism and core strength combination that allows him to anchor and stop pass rushers at the point of attack.Has the skill set to be an effective pass protector but needs to develop his pass set technique. Though he’s most likely to stick at offensive tackle, could develop into a multi-positional offensive lineman given his skill set and size.Projects as a multi-year starter at the Power 5 level with the upside of developing into a NFL Draft pick."

Even if Walker gains eligibility this season, he will likely be a backup to Campbell and Williams. With Williams part of the Miami football program only for the 2020 season, there will be an open spot at offensive tackle in 2020. Walker will likely be one of the favorites to earn that spot. The ceiling for Walker is higher than Campbell’s.

It is possible that Walker could redshirt this season regardless of if his waiver is granted or not. If Walker does receive the waiver he would be eligible to play up to four games in 2020 and maintain his redshirt. The status for Walker in 2020 in addition to the waiver could depend on the health of the Miami offensive line.