 "Photo: Sam Grenadier")
While former Tech receiver Grant Walker was playing on Saturdays during the 2007 season, his brother was in the stands, wishing he was with him.
Receiver Todd Walker has made a full recovery from hernia injuries and aims to add to Tech's receiver corps for his junior season this fall.
"He really came out of the gate strong," Tech inside receivers coach Lincoln Riley said of Todd Walker. "The thing he's done, he's been really consistent for us. He's been the guy that made the consistent tough catch. He's a really smart guy, so he understands. Maybe (he) does some of the more complex things on routes that other guys can't do. The other thing, he's got experience. He played in the Insight Bowl. He's bringing a lot to the table right now."
Five catches for 68 yards was not the only thing the 2006 Insight Bowl brought Todd Walker. At the Insight Bowl, Todd Walker suffered two hernias.
Todd Walker did not find out whether surgery was needed, as he went through many procedures to find the exact problem. As soon as he found the problem, Todd Walker went into surgery, knowing his rehab and his goal of getting back on the field were going to be based on his mental state.
"It's definitely more mental than physical because you're out the whole year like, 'I'm not going to get to play football ever again,'" Todd Walker said. "'Not able to run like I used to.' Now that I'm back, it's like a huge burden off my shoulders."
The loss was a blow to the Tech receiving corps for the 2007 season.
Riley said Todd Walker was starting to play his best football toward the end of his sophomore year, making it tough to see him get injured.
"I think the toughest thing was that he really started to peak during the end of his sophomore year," he said. "It concluded with the Insight Bowl with six catches there. (He) was really playing well. Then that just kind of derailed him. He was really on track to have a nice year last year. Good thing is he got to sit back, learn some more. He can get healthier, get stronger. Because he had a redshirt year, it didn't hurt him too bad."
Todd Walker's 2006 season consisted of 21 catches for 214 yards and two touchdowns.
During spring practices, Todd Walker is just happy to get back on the field and compete with receivers Edward Britton and Michael Crabtree.
Britton said Todd Walker's influence deals not only with his play on the field, but also with the personality he has.
"It's always good to have Todd back," Britton said. "He brings a lot of energy. He's always funny. He works hard. He's good."
Todd Walker is going through the usual difficulties of spring practice, but he is glad he is totally removed from his major injury.
"My injury from surgery is totally healed," he said. "I got a bunch of nicks and bruises, but that's how spring football is. Just trying to get through it all. Trying to get in the rotation."
Last season, Todd Walker under went many rehabilitation efforts to make a full recovery the best way he could.
Although Todd Walker went through many obstacles to get back on the field, his mental state was aimed toward being positive and hoping to play in 2008.
With Grant Walker now out of eligibility and aiming for the NFL Draft, Todd Walker said he still keeps contact with his brother, but knows the toughest part was not playing during his brother's last season.
"That's actually the worst part about it, because it was his senior year," he said. "I'm the reason he came here, was to play with me. We went to high school together, college together. His senior year, me just sitting in the stands, is probably the toughest part."
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