Column: DeMarcus Walker and Character Issues? Get Outta Here

For football fans, it’s that dead period between meaningful games, spring practice and of course, the NFL Draft.

Many likely to speculate on where certain college stars will get selected as they transition to the NFL. For some, it’s just a fun hobby. Others however, have a legitimate gift for evaluating talent at the next level.

Tony Pauline, publisher of DraftAnalyst.com, is the latter. I’m not real familiar with Pauline’s work, but from what I’ve seen in the past, he tends to have good sources and give credible insight.

In a piece released Thursday, Pauline decided to weigh in on former FSU defensive end and 2016 Consensus All-American DeMarcus Walker. In his piece, Pauline writes, “The overwhelming belief is DeMarcus Walker of Florida State will leave Indianapolis with depressed draft stock, an opinion I completely agree with. It’s a combination of a lack of size, poor speed and a question as to where he’ll line up on Sundays.”

This seems to be legitimate, speculative criticism of Walker. It’s an opinion. There are plenty of great college players who don’t pan out at the next level or get drafted lower than many would have thought after finishing their collegiate career. For that, there are many reasons. Pauline however, then goes on to say this:

“I’m also told there are a few character issues with Walker.”

Character issues? DeMarcus Walker? Really?

For FSU fans, hearing (or in this case, reading) the term “character issues” has a way of making one want to pull his or her hair out. Character issues are sometimes legitimate. In the case of former FSU quarterback Jameis Winston, it was a drum that was beaten constantly prior to him being picked first overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Rape allegations made against Winston in 2012 was a legitimate cause for concern, but some writers felt the need to bring up other insignificant youthful transgressions like squirrel hunting with a BB gun or filling up ketchup cups with soda at fast food restaurants as red flags regarding Winston as a person. In Walker’s case, there isn’t even that.

After recording just two sacks total over his first two seasons, Walker blossomed into an All-American with 26.5 sacks over his final two seasons. His 28.5 career sacks ranks third in school-history. Following a breakout year as a junior in 2015 when he finished with 10.5 sacks, Walker could have went on to the NFL and made millions, but elected to stay in school, get his degree and help a young football team get better.

Rather than character issues, character might be a better way to describe the FSU All-American.

Walker’s work ethic is undisputed. His improvement shows that. Walker however, also served as a vocal leader for FSU over the last two seasons. He was a player who led by example. Walker’s high motor and passion for the game were undeniable. He was loved by his coaches and respected by his teammates.

Early in the 2016 season when FSU was struggling, Walker pointed the finger at himself and was determined to turn things around. When defensive coordinator Charles Kelly came under fire from the FSU fan base early in the year, Walker accepted responsibility for the sub-par start and put the onus on himself and his teammates to get things right. The Seminoles’ defense, led by Walker, was a top-25 unit by the end of the year.

While what one does on the field only says so much about one’s character, Walker returned home to Jacksonville during FSU’s October bye week last season and helped with relief from Hurricane Matthew. That’s hardly something that we’d expect from someone with “character issues”.

I don’t know DeMarcus Walker personally, but nothing on his track records suggests that there are any issues with his character. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Shots at one’s character — athlete or not — shouldn’t be made so nonchalantly. If you’re going to make those claims, some evidence should be cited to back them up. Otherwise, it’s completely irresponsible.

This isn’t meant to be a personal attack on Tony Pauline or his abilities as a professional. Hopefully, it was just a lapse in judgement. Everyone makes mistakes. That’s even true of decorated athletes in their early 20s, whether or not they have what some might refer to as “character issues”.

Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson