South Florida's Interception Leader: Everglades Preparatory (FL) CB Jaleen Walker

By Jerry Williamson

South Florida is a location where you can randomly, stop at any school and discover a hidden gem with football subdivision talent. If you take the Florida Turnpike southbound and merge off on exit 2, you'll discovered a little-known rising junior ATHLETE named Jaleen Walker from Everglades Preparatory Academy. As a junior, the 6-foot-1, 165 pound cornerback/wide receiver with sub 4.5 speed, along with test scores -- tied as the interception leader in South Florida with a staggering (7) interceptions, which earned the 3A classification standout first-team all-county.

Walker interceptions didn't come from mediocre competition. The first-year high school starter, a converted basketball point guard and shooting guard from Schoolhouse Preparatory, picked off passes against programs with multiple FBS caliber recruits, such as class 4A state champion Cocoa High School and an extremely loaded University School. Offensively, Walker played primarily on defense, but would line up at wide receiver on 3rd and 4th downs, grabbing three touchdowns and averaging 15.5 yards per catch. Against, Cocoa High School he (Walker) accounted for over 100 all-purpose yards and one interception and also, caused a fumble against class 2A state champions, Champagnat Catholic. 

Walker is trying to become the third college football player of his family, by following the footsteps of former University of Miami (FL) defensive tackle Vince Wilfork and Florida Atlantic University running back Xaiver Stinson. According to 247sports, the hometown Canes, UAB, and Samford are showing interest. Walker has test scores, grades, and the prototype size, college football coaches are looking for standing 6-feet with long arms. The converted basketball player, made a major impact in his first season playing organized football. 

This past spring, the all-around athlete started at linebacker and was responsible for (5) solo tackles. College football coaches he's waiting for his first official division one scholarship. 

HIGHLIGHT REEL: http://www.hudl.com/v/2A1EC2

TWITTER ACCOUNT: @Jaleen_walker

NOTE: One interception is missing due to Cocoa never sending the game film per Everglades Prep.