Walker’s coaching stock rises quickly

UCLA assistant DeWayne Walker has gone from a relatively unknown first-year college coordinator to a hot national coaching prospect as a result of the Bruins’ impressive defensive turnaround this season, capped by a dominating performance Saturday against USC.

Walker, who joined Karl Dorrell’s staff after coaching two years with the Washington Redskins, has extensive NFL experience, having worked under defensive coaches such as Bill Belichick, Gregg Williams, Johnnie Lynn and Pete Carroll.

Walker’s stock rose higher after UCLA defeated USC, limiting the Trojans to fewer than 20 points for the first time in 63 games. That’s one reason Walker’s name has been mentioned in regard to several vacant college head coaching positions, including Stanford’s. Walker’s name also has been floated in connection with potential defensive coordinator openings in the NFL and at other major-college programs.

“It’s amazing. I’m the same guy, but now all of the sudden people want to know about me,” Walker said before UCLA’s awards banquet Monday night at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel.

“I am so glad with my decision to come to UCLA. I don’t have any plans on leaving. But if somebody wants to give me a head coaching job, I have to listen.”

Walker said he’s more concerned about the Bruins’ defense, which is expected to return 10 starters next season.

“It was so beautiful to see the players play at a level that you dream about,” Walker said about UCLA’s effort against USC. “When you go through the whole process and come up with a formula, you’re never sure if it will work or not.

“To see it continue to come together all season and then play your best in your biggest game of the year against your crosstown rival, I do not have words for. They just took over the game. It was breathtaking.”

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Tailback Chris Markey and defensive end Justin Hickman were selected winners of UCLA’s Henry R. “Red” Sanders Award for most valuable player at the Bruins awards banquet.

Among the other winners were:

Charles Pike Memorial Award for outstanding scout team player: running back Ryen Carew (offense), linebacker Nick Rodriguez (defense); Jack R. Robinson Award for highest scholarship of a senior player: fullback Dan Nelson; N.N. Sugarman Award for best leadership: center Robert Chai (offense), end Bruce Davis (defense).

Captain Don Brown Memorial Award for most improved player: tight end Logan Paulsen (offense), linebacker Christian Taylor (defense); John Boncheff Jr. Memorial Award for rookie of the year: tackle Aleksey Lanis (offense), cornerback Alterraun Verner (defense); Tommy Prothro Award for outstanding special teams player: kicker Justin Medlock; Kenneth S. Washington Award for outstanding senior: Hickman; Paul I. Wellman Memorial Award for all-around excellence: strong safety Chris Horton; Jerry Long “Heart” Award: Nelson; George W. Dickerson Award for outstanding offensive player vs. USC: quarterback Patrick Cowan; Donn Moomaw Award for outstanding defensive player vs. USC: linebacker Eric McNeal.

lonnie.white@latimes.com