Buffs defensive leader Arden Walker draws strength from his father’s CU past

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 Ive hit a learning curve.

I think Ive 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 Ive 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 Techs a solid team.

Obviously theyre 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.

Weve 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.

pic.twitter.com/siK6QXVJbQ Fridays 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.

Ive heard all the stories and my dads 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 hes gone, hes 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, its like a new scene.

I think everybodys bought in pretty much and its 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 everybodys understanding their role, and I think were starting to mold into that, especially going to the first game.

Just make sure we all mesh together even when they rotate.

Whoevers 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 weve been in camp this whole time, so weve been hitting the same guys for almost 30 days straight.

Now you get to go beat up on Georgia Tech.

Thats the goal.

Go compete.

Im excited for sure.

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