Prospect Spotlight: Jared Walker (2019)
Tampa Prep will be getting an important wing player back this season in Jared Walker.
The 6’6″, 185-pounder missed nearly his entire junior year due to a combination of injuries and sickness.
“I participated in only a few games but when I played my heart out whenever I had the chance. After my final shoulder injury at the end of my junior season, I lost a lot of confidence,” Walker told Prep Hoops. “I doubted myself thinking I’d never have the chance to actually play a full season.”
“When you lose your junior season like that it’s hard. But after i saw the colleges that had looked at my Captain U page over the summer i began grinding. I began strengthening all the areas that I had injured to prevent injuries. I worked on my flexibility as well as my vertical jump, and gained 15Lbs, going from 168lbs to 183lbs.”
Walker says he’s excited to show the Tampa area what he’s truly made of and play injury free.
On his Captain U profile, Walker said that Arizona State and a good amount of Division III programs have looked at his film and bio. No offers have come yet.
Walker has spent last summer to gain weight and work through his health. He was one of five original players that began playing for the Tampa Tarpons in 4th grade.
“I had played YMCA rec league with these boys before but the coaches believed it was time to start a real team. I played up into my summer going into my junior year when I tore my hip against IMG,” he said. “My Last game of AAU season I scored 22 points with a torn hip.”
In terms of his biggest strengths, Walker pointed to his defensive ability and his quick jump shot. He’s aiming to improve all aspects of his game which is focused on playing harder, his ballhandling and post moves.
When Walker has been on the court, he’s been a steady presence as a jump shooter. I’ve seen him play quite a bit and he’s always in good spirits whether he’s healthy or not. Now that he’s gained back weight and strength to his upper body, Walker is in line for a steady senior year. He has a chance to prove his worth for the next level much like previous Tampa Prep players have under coach Joe Fenlon.
Photo credit: Varsity Views