J. EDMUND BARNES

PHOTO: Wade Walker stands with his family holding his letter of intent to attend Hinds Community College in Mississippi. (Staff photo by J. Edmund Barnes) LAPLACE – Wade Walker of East St. John High School has signed a letter of intent to attend Hinds Community College in Jackson. Walker, a standout wide receiver for the Wildcats, will be vying for a starting position on the football team. Walker will be studying for a bachelors degree in business administration while playing football. Walker, who in his senior year at East St. John caught eight touchdown passes and had over 800 yards in receptions, was one of the River Parishes leading rec-eivers in the 2000 prep season. In addition, Walker has expressed the desire to transfer at some point in his junior college career to another school, preferably a school with a Division IA football team. This has been done before, most dramatically with Rudy Johnson of Auburn University. Johnson went to Butler County Junior College in Kansas for two years before transferring to Auburn Uni-versity. Johnson was drafted into the Cincinnati Bengals this spring. “I feel alright. It’s better than nothing,” said Walker. “I thank God for everything. I’m looking forward to football. I’ve been waiting for this my entire life.” Walker has been playing football since he was 10 years old, started for the Wildcats in his senior year. His longest reception was a 69 yard touchdown strike. “I want to play for the pros,” said Walker. “Its one of my goals in life which I can accomplish.” Walker has been working to prepare himself for college football. He recently was able to bring his 40 time down to a 4.4. Walker said the best part of football is the competition. “I like being between the white lines when the lights come on,” said Walker. Vernell Collins, Walker’s father, said the family was going to try and make all the games. “I just thank the lord that he’s got the opportunity to show his talent. Whether or not he makes it in the pros,” said Collins. “He’s going to have to work hard. He’s going to have to practice hard, train hard, and study hard. It’s going to be a good experience for him. Its just the beginning. His family and friends are behind him 100 percent.” Walker thanked the coaching staff and the teachers at East St. John High School for preparing him for college. He especially wanted to thank the principle Debra Schoen and his trainer (and cousin) Tim McGowan. “(McGowan) got my 40 from 4.8 to 4.4.”