Walker Headed for Utah State

Tony Walker of Antelope Valley High, a two-time All-Southern Section football selection, has signed a letter of intent with Utah State.

Walker, an all-purpose back, was considered the best player in the state nobody could recruit. He is a special education student and has not passed the Scholastic Assessment Test.

The Aggies signed Walker under the Proposition 48 rule. He will not play football next year and won’t receive his scholarship until he completes 24 units and passes the SAT.

“It would be a surprise to even see him on the field in a year,” Utah State Coach John L. Smith said. “He’s going to have to do it academically for a year.

“A lot of people didn’t have the faith that he could get it done, academically. But he’s definitely worth a chance for us.”

Walker rushed for 1,238 yards and 14 touchdowns, and caught 20 passes for 379 yards and five touchdowns in leading Antelope Valley to the Division II semifinals.

In 1994 he scored two touchdowns in a 36-15 victory over Hart in the section championship game.

“I’m happy,” Walker said. “I’d rather be at a Division I school than a [junior college] right now. Utah State was most interested in me and they offered me a lot of good scholastic stuff, like tutoring and people to help me take notes.”

Grants will pay for his tuition, book and board the first year.

“It’s a great honor for him,” Antelope Valley defensive coordinator Wayne Ekimoto said. “He’s a real great athlete and he deserves a chance to play at the next level.

“He has learning problems but he’s a pretty good kid.”

Newcomb stable: Brent Newcomb, who has coached Antelope Valley to three Southern Section football championships, suffered a heart attack early Thursday.

Newcomb is listed in stable condition at Antelope Valley Hospital and will undergo an angiogram on Saturday.

Letterman: Jeff Dover, a 6-3, 210-pound quarterback from Highland High in Bakersfield, has signed with Cal State Northridge.