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Donovan Walker walked on at UTEP in 2014 fully expecting to redshirt the season. Out of necessity, though, the Miners called Walker into action mid-year; he played in four games. 

Walker expected to compete for a starting wide receiver job the following season, but that never materialized and Walker moved left the program.

Now, the redshirt junior is making a name for himself as a walk-on at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥.

UA coach Rich Rodriguez mentioned Walker’s name as a standout in the receiver group on multiple occasions during fall camp, and he played against Northern ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ in Week 1. Walker won’t be playing in Friday’s game against UTEP after suffering a shoulder injury. Still, the mean something extra. 

The Star spoke with the 6-foot-1-inch, 179-pound Carson, California native earlier in the week:

On what it’s like going against UTEP: “I know both the corners and the people on the defense pretty good so it’s a big game, especially for me going out there and playing for a lot of familiar faces and people I know.�

On how he ended up at ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥: “When I decided I was going to leave (UTEP) I had two schools I was thinking about going to: here and Texas Tech. Then (former UA staff analyst) Miguel Reveles, I knew him because he coached me and (former UA receivers) Samajie Grant and Bryan Harper. He got me up here…"

On why he chose ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥: Playing in “the Pac-12. The motivation just to play here and be closer to home and play against a lot of guys in the conference that I know.â€�

On being a walk-on: “My experience with that has been: I’m a firm believer in if you’re good, then you’re going to play. (Rodriguez) wants to win, so the best people are going to play if they’re good.�