Highlights & Evaluation: Louisville CB Signee Kani Walker

SI All-American breaks down 2021 Louisville football cornerback signee Kani Walker

(Photo of Kani Walker: via BC Bulletin)

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The Early Signing Period for the Class of 2021 is here, and cornerback Kani Walker is now officially part of the Louisville football program after inking his National Letter of Intent to play for the Cardinals.

Here is SI All-American’s full evaluation of Walker:

Prospect: Kani Walker
Position: Cornerback
Vitals: 6-foot-2, 194 pounds
School: Douglasville (Ga.) Douglas County
Notable: SI All-American Watch List Candidate

Frame: Tall and slender. Adequate width through shoulders, chest. Long arms, with budding sinew. Small, tightly-wound lower half. Ample room for additional weight, but doesn’t need more at cornerback.

Athleticism: Quick, light feet. Wastes little to no motion in and out of cuts as cover man. Above-average speed at best; not the most fluid sprinter in open field. Needs to get stronger, but packs punch as hitter. Good ball skills.

Instincts: Solid overall awareness in defensive backfield. Reads quarterback’s eyes in zone and as deep safety, quickly planting foot toward ball upon diagnosing. Physical and opportunistic in one-on-one coverage. Offers willing, effective support in run game; big hitter with shoulders square.

Polish: Advanced ability to mirror receivers at LOS. Jam shows promise. Must continue honing hip, ankle flexibility to remain at cornerback. Comfortable playing multiple positions in secondary.

Bottom Line: Walker has the tools to play on either side at the next level, but Louisville recruited him at cornerback. Needs to prove play speed and hip flexibility is on par with Power-5 receivers to remain on outside. Ceiling is highest at cornerback, but he’s versatile enough to play either safety spot. Potential starter and surefire contributor for Cardinals, with upside dependent on role.

Kani Walker's Junior Year Highlights:

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