South Carolina Fighting to Keep Michigan Commit Julian Walker Close to Home
South Carolina football isn’t ready to let Julian Walker leave the state without a fight.
The Dutch Fork four-star defensive end remains one of the most sought-after prospects in the 2025 class — and despite his commitment to Michigan, the Gamecocks continue to make a strong push to flip him.
Gamecocks Keep the Pressure On
South Carolina defensive ends coach Sterling Lucas has kept steady communication with Walker, who has a family tie to the program — his father serves as an assistant strength coach on the Gamecocks’ staff.
Walker has already attended two South Carolina home games this season, and the relationship with Lucas remains strong.
“I talked to Sterling Lucas and we still have a good relationship. Keeping that communication going,” Walker said following Dutch Fork’s win over White Knoll. “They definitely are still pushing. They want to keep me home.”
Walker’s Senior Season Surge
The 6-foot-4, 240-pound defensive standout is having a dominant senior campaign for Dutch Fork, ranked No. 3 in the latest Class 5A standings. Walker ranks second on the team with 34 tackles (eight for loss) and also sits second in sacks heading into this week’s matchup with Lexington.
His stellar play has earned him a spot in the Navy All-American Bowl in San Antonio this January. Walker received his commemorative jersey earlier this week, adding another milestone to his impressive season.
Recruiting Interest Beyond Michigan
While South Carolina continues to press, North Carolina is also heavily involved in Walker’s recruitment. He took an unofficial visit to Chapel Hill two weeks ago for the UNC-Clemson matchup.
“It was good,” Walker said of his trip to North Carolina. “Talked to Coach (Bill) Belichick and his vision for me was for the team.”
Though he had initially planned a visit to Michigan earlier this fall, Walker postponed it until the Ohio State game later in the season — a matchup he says he’s eagerly anticipating.
“Yes, sir. Go Blue,” Walker reaffirmed. “I’m excited to get down there with me and the family and really anticipating that game (against Ohio State).”
Gamecocks and Clemson Eyeing Jaden Wuerth
Walker isn’t the only Dutch Fork defender drawing major college attention. Junior defensive end Jaden Wuerth, who lines up on the opposite side of the line, has also emerged as a rising recruit.
South Carolina, Clemson, NC State, and Georgia Tech are all actively recruiting Wuerth. He’s visited Clemson, NC State, and Georgia Tech this fall and is set to be in Columbia this Saturday for the Gamecocks’ matchup against Oklahoma.
“Recruiting has been going good. It’s been busy with all the games and stuff,” Wuerth said. “Clemson is messaging me a lot and talking to me every day. They haven’t offered yet, but after the season it will be there. South Carolina, they love me and keep recruiting me and I am excited to get there for the game.”
The Georgia native, who transferred to South Carolina over the summer, has no favorites yet but is starting to narrow down his list.
“I love the in-state schools and the relationships I’ve been building with coaches,” Wuerth explained. “Georgia Tech and NC State as well. So, I am just starting to narrow things down and continue to build relationships with the coaching staffs.”
Wuerth’s Breakout Year
Like Walker, Wuerth is enjoying a breakout season for Dutch Fork. He ranks third on the team with 30 tackles, while leading the Silver Foxes in tackles for loss (nine) and sacks (eight) — production that’s made him one of the most promising junior defensive ends in the Southeast.
