STRecruiting: OL Sam Walker of Georgia discusses his final three, his in-season visits, and identifies his current favorite

2028 OL Sam Walker (6-5 290) of Carrollton, GA hasn’t fooled around with the recruiting process. After processing multiple offers, Walker named a top three of South Carolina, Clemson, and Georgia Tech. He has been to all three, and he plans to visit each one again for a game this season.

Walker also had offers from the likes of UCLA, Miami, Kentucky, Texas A&M, LSU, Kansas, Mississippi State, North Carolina, Nebraska, Virginia Tech, Arkansas, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Auburn, Florida, and Alabama. But something stood out about the Gamecocks, Tigers, and Yellow Jackets that put them above the rest.

“I would definitely say the consistency with them,” Walker said. “The communication makes me feel wanted. They were the top three schools that made me feel like I could fit the program, the offense scheme. I could just fit anywhere on the O-line. They told me I could play anywhere. They told me I move very well. I might play tackle, guard, both. It just depends.”

Walker added that he can also snap. But given the choice, he does have a favorite position he’d like to play in college.

“I would say tackle just because I’m long and I’m good at moving in space,” Walker said. “Georgia Tech told me they would start me off wherever I feel comfortable, and then we’ll make adjustments.”

Walker attended his first Clemson game in his eighth grade when the Tigers played Charleston Southern. He was back last season for the Florida State game, and then worked out in front of offensive line coaches Matt Luke and Carson Cramer in a camp in early June.

“That’s when I fell in love with Clemson,” Walker said. “Coach Luke and Coach Creamer were teaching me stuff that I didn’t even know about. Technique, footwork, stuff like that. It was just the connection with us just grew, and it just keeps growing.  They make me feel very wanted. They’re definitely up there in the three. They’re definitely not #3. And I feel like I could fit in their offensive scheme.”

Walker visited USC last season for the Alabama game, where he got the chance to see his former teammate, Vicari Swain, play for the Gamecocks. USC offensive line coaches Randy Clements and Jason Smith are encouraging him to travel the same road to Columbia that Swain did.

“Our relationship is very strong, and I can see myself fitting in their offense,” Walker said. “I can see myself just getting along with the coaches and the players, just having a great time there. The coaches there are definitely chill. They can coach too, but they’re great guys; they’re funny. Every time we’re with each other, it’s always a fun time. When they came to my school, we were chopping it up for I couldn’t tell you how long, but it was a great conversation. Every time I see them, it’s always just a great time chopping it up.”

Walker did not camp at USC this summer. His other camp stops were at Kentucky and Georgia.

But the school he has visited the most overall is Georgia Tech. Head coach Brent Key is a former offensive lineman and offensive line coach for the Yellow Jackets. He’s doing all he can to keep Walker in his home state.

“Out of the three, I would say number one is probably Georgia Tech,” Walker said. “I know (assistant line) Coach (Brandon) Torrie. We always chop it up on the phone. Every time I go down there, it’s always a great time. There’s always just a good vibe every time I’m with them. I’ve been there when they played Temple, when they played Pitt. And then I went to another game I can’t remember. And then I went to spring practice.”

Walker said he’s solid with his top three and it’s unlikely any other schools will break in. This season he will visit Georgia Tech for the Colorado and Tennessee games, USC for the Georgia and Mississippi State games, and Clemson for the Miami game.

Walker does not have a firm date yet for committing, but he’s looking at a period of time late in his season, or when he’s taking his official visits after the season.