As Colorado honors Bill McCartney, Arden Walker embraces his family’s roots and the Buffs’ defensive identity.
Buffs defensive leader Arden Walker draws strength from his father’s CU past originally appeared on The Sporting News
Colorado defensive lineman Arden Walker stepped to the podium this week with a clear message that depth, leadership and toughness will define the Buffs in 2025.
Walker said he has grown into a leadership role and takes pride in guiding younger players in the defensive line room. “Personally, I feel like I’ve hit a learning curve. I think I’ve always did it from just little league and growing up and being around certain guys and people gravitating towards me. But now I think just in terms of how to lead and how to get to guys, especially grown men…getting them to put their pride aside to listen to me. I feel like I’ve taken certain steps to relate to guys no matter where you come from and then obviously having a common goal which is to win.”
With Georgia Tech bringing a physical run game led by dual-threat quarterback Haynes King, Walker said the challenge is clear. “Georgia Tech’s a solid team. Obviously they’re very good at what they do and I think we are just preaching the message that we still have to stop the run as a defensive line. We’ve been putting our best efforts in terms of film and studying and making sure we know our keys and doing our assignment and getting the job done.”
— Colorado Buffaloes Football (@CUBuffsFootball) August 27, 2025
Friday’s matchup will also include a nod to Colorado history as the Buffs wear throwback patches honoring the late Bill McCartney. For Walker, the gesture carries added significance. His father, Arthur Walker, played for McCartney in the 1980s. “I’ve heard all the stories and my dad’s coached me my whole life too. He gives me some stuff that came from him like in terms of words of wisdom. So, I think I can also just tell some of the guys, pass on some of those messages as well and still bring life into the team. Even though he’s gone, he’s still here in terms of just the spirit and culture of the team.”
When asked about the identity of this Buffs squad, Walker pointed to the energy from the younger class. “The young guys give us life. The freshman class that rolled in, it’s like a new scene. I think everybody’s bought in pretty much and it’s kind of good to see even the young guys trying to figure it out.”
Focused on depth, Walker said the defensive line has multiple options inside and out. “I think everybody’s understanding their role, and I think we’re starting to mold into that, especially going to the first game. Just make sure we all mesh together even when they rotate. Whoever’s in, we all have the job to make sure we get to the quarterback, stop the run.”
With game week finally here, Walker summed it up with a grin. “Utterly excited. Obviously we’ve been in camp this whole time, so we’ve been hitting the same guys for almost 30 days straight. Now you get to go beat up on Georgia Tech. That’s the goal. Go compete. I’m excited for sure.”
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Category: General Sports
