Miami Hurricanes OL Issiah Walker fails to get NCAA waiver
Miami Hurricanes freshman offensive lineman Issiah Walker failed to receive a waiver for the 2020 season after transferring from Florida this spring.
Freshman offensive lineman Issiah Walker has to sit out the 2020 season for the Miami Hurricanes according to multiple reports on Thursday. Walker was seeking a waiver to play in 2020. Because of the extra season of eligibility granted by the NCAA for all 2020 fall sports athletes, Walker will have four years beginning in 2021.
Walker not being granted the waiver costs the Miami Hurricanes depth on the offensive line. There should still be enough depth on the Miami offensive line in 2020. Walker transferred to Miami from Florida this spring to be closer to home because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Coming out of high school Walker was the 15th ranked offensive tackle in the class of 2020. With freshman Jalen Rivers, Miami could have their bookend tackles of the future. During the summer, Miami offensive line coach Garin Justice projects Walker as the left tackle of the future for the Miami football team.
On his 247 scouting report, Walker is praised as a versatile offensive lineman who excels in pass protection with the potential to develop into an NFL Draft pick. Walker would have been the sixth-ranked player and fifth-ranked on offense if he would have signed with Miami directly in the class of 2020.
Walker will be in the offensive line rotation in 2021 and the mix to earn a starting spot. Some of that will depend on if graduate transfer right tackle Jarrid Williams returns. Williams is in his sixth season of college eligibility in 2020 but has the option to return in 2021. Walker might be the most talented offensive lineman Miami has.
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The Hurricanes were a woefully inexperienced and inept offensive line in 2019. Miami is far more experienced on the offensive line in 2020 and with everyone except maybe Williams expected back in 2021 that will be even more prevalent. Redshirt juniors Kai-Leon Herbert and Zalon’Tae Hillery have opted out for 2020.