It
was in June of 2009 when I first spotted Dustin Walton
then of Raton High School during one of New Mexico’s football
camps. Walton a
tall 6-4 quarterback with a heck of an arm that was out getting
his first
exposure at the D-I level… While
Walton
could wing the ball, it was obvious he wasn’t a running spread
option type QB,
at that time even Walton wasn’t sure he would fit in at UNM with
the offense
they were running.
In 2010 Walton was once again at New Mexico’s
football camp
but this time other schools were taking notice as the big QB had
spent some
time doing the camp circuit and collegiate coaches were taking
notice. His arm
was stronger, he was a more complete QB and even though he wasn’t
the
prototypical option QB then coach Mike Locksley offered Walton who
accepted and
signed with New Mexico.
We all know the story of Locksley being fired
and replaced
with former Notre Dame Coach Bob Davie and with Davie came Bob
DeBesse and his
option oriented offense and this morning Walton said, “I walked in
and let it
be known that I was going to transfer. Coach Davie said he
understood, and
asked that I finish spring ball,” said Walton (UNM has two more
practices this
upcoming week.) “After that I’m supposed to speak with Paul Krebs
about where I
would like to go.”
I asked Walton what made you come to this
decision? “Well I
actually started thinking about it this winter, but my parents and
I decided
that I should go through spring ball and see where I could fit in,
“says
Walton. “This past week my reps have declined steadily and I made
the decision
that I had to go in a different direction.”
“I
don’t have any hard feelings at all,” says Walton. “It
(college football) is a business and New Mexico is moving in a
different
direction than my skill set, they need to do things that are best
for them, and
I have to do things that are best for me, but I will still be
cheering for
these guys, and I am still a native New Mexican so the Lobos do
hold a place
for me.”
“I’m hoping to go to school somewhere in
Colorado,” said
Walton. “When CSU coach Jim McElwain was at Alabama they had me
out there and
were really looking at me so I have a connection with him.”
Well,
since you are leaving what is your take on the
quarterback situation at New Mexico? “BR is doing really well,”
says Walton.
“I’m really impressed with Cole (Gautsche) he can run this offense
really well,
and can really run the ball. I can’t really say much about Vega as
many team
reps.”
Cole Gautsche
With that I gave Dustin and his entire family
our thanks for
not only being a Lobo, but for being hardcore Red Menace people as
the entire
Walton family came off their mountain and participated in tailgate
parties,
fun, and frivolity. The entire Walton clan will definitely be
missed.
“I want to thank all you guys for the
support, you all
have always been there and I appreciate it,” finished Walton.