Tyler Larick and Joe Walkins have both joined the Illinois State football team as part of the mid-year transfer signing period, announced by head coach Denver Johnson Thursday.
Larick joins the Illinois State squad and is expected to fill the WHIP linebacker position. The 61, 205 pounder totaled 120 tackles last year with two interceptions. In his two years at Hartnell, Larick had 227 tackles and seven interceptions.
Tyler is a guy we are really excitd about, Johnson said. He came from the same junior college as Mike Souza and is a good player as well as good student. He has leadership characteristics that we admire and he has the opportunity to have a good career here. He is a great addition.
This years Coast Conferences Defensive Player of the Year, Larick earned all-region honors and was a postseason all-America honorable mention selection. He is a native of Chualar, Calif. and Salings High School and plans on majoring in business.
Walkins transfers to Illinois State from Auburn, were he redshirted the 2000 season and participated in 12 games in 2001. At 59, 185 pounds, he compiling 12 catches for 124 yards. The wide receiver/punt returner broke Auburns single-game punt return record that year against Ball State, with six returns for 109 yards.
Joe is an extremely talented offensive skilled position player, Johnson said. He is a speed guy with great ball skills and hand-eye coordination. He comes from Florida and had a great high school career as well as did some good things at Auburn. They played him as a tailback, but he will be a main contributor for us as a
receiver.
The Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., native attended Dillard High School and set his high schools single-season receiving record, averaged 33.6 yards per punt return and 42.5 yards per kickoff return as a senior. He plans on majoring in public administration.
