On The Plains with Zykeivous Walker: ‘Forever grateful’

AUBURN, Ala. – An important chapter of life is winding down for defensive lineman Zykeivous Walker, with all the memories and emotions that a looming Senior Day brings. 

Walker came to Auburn in January 2020, out of Schley County High in Ellaville, Georgia, and quickly saw time along the defensive front as a true freshman. In four seasons, he has totaled 45 tackles with 7.5 tackles for loss, but the truest measure is what he has gained at Auburn. 

“These past few weeks, as I think about the end of my college days, I admit I get emotional because I look back and see how far I’ve come, how far God has brought me,” Walker said. “Despite all the ups and downs, I’m just so thankful and grateful to be here and still living out my dream and doing the things God blessed me to do.

“As the days are starting to wind down, it feels sad because I’ve made many memories here. I’ve met many people and made connections that will last for a lifetime. I’ve met some of my best friends here and some great coaches – and the Auburn fan base is awesome. It’s just been a blessing being here.”

Walker has seen his time on the Plains as a blessing from the beginning. 

“When I did my recruiting process, I was big on praying about my decisions and seeing where God would lead me because I knew God would not lead me wrong,” he said. “Coming here, at the time, it was Gus Malzahn and Coach (Rodney) Garner and they had the family base I was looking for in a team. 

“Over the weeks, my heart would lead me somewhere else, but it didn’t sit with me, so I began to pray harder. I asked God to lead me and the week of signing day, it was on my heart: Auburn, Auburn. I don’t regret it at all. I think everything happens for a reason. I think God put it on my heart to come here, and I know God’s still got me today. Everything’s been good.”

One of the very good times came this August when Walker received his bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies. “It felt great because I was the first one on my dad’s side or my mom’s side to get a degree – just being that person to change the trajectory of your family life is very meaningful,” the SEC Academic Honor Roll student said. 

“My dad passed away when I was 8 years old, so in my household, I’ve got my mom and three younger sisters. Growing up, I saw my mom taking care of four kids and struggling to do that. Getting that degree and having something I can put up on the wall that has never been done before, that really stands out.”

That degree will pay dividends for Walker’s future as well. 

“As of right now, my mind is all over the place about what’s ahead, so the best thing I can do for myself is being where my feet are and finish this season,” he said. “I don’t know what my plans are after this year, but as long as I take care of what’s going on right now, whenever that time comes, I know God’s going to put me where I need to be. 

“And 10 years from now, I want to be a great father and be there for my wife and family. With my dad leaving when I was 8 years old and not having that father figure in your life for the majority of your life, it opened my eyes to wanting to be a great husband and father and setting my family up for better living.

“More than anything, I’m proud of myself for sticking through adversity. Since I’ve been here, there haven’t been enough wins,” Walker admits. “There have been a lot of ups and downs. I’m proud of myself for sticking through the challenges and not being one of those people who jump ship when times get hard. I’m so thankful that I could put my head down and keep going, being here with my team and the people I came in and did it with.”

Some of those people have made a noticeable impact on Walker. 

“My roommate Jeremiah Wright, who came in with me – Jeremiah has been on my side through it all,” Walker said. “It’s going to be tough separating. We obviously both have dreams and aspirations and will have to go our different routes, but I know he will still be by my side. 

“He hasn’t been here that long, but Coach Vontrell (King-Williams) has been a big part of it and I’m very thankful for him. Coach G(arner) is not here anymore, but he gave me the opportunity to come to Auburn and live out my dreams and I’ll always be thankful for him. You can never forget the ones who give you those opportunities. I’m honestly just thankful for everyone I’ve crossed paths with along the way.”

Walker will always be grateful his path went through Auburn. 

“It’s been a great experience. There were a lot of ups and downs, but I learned lessons here,” he said. “Being here taught me how to be a better man, how to be a better person, and whenever times get hard, don’t quit because you’ve got people at home watching you and counting on you. Auburn molded me into a better man and changed the trajectory of my life. 

“Coming from a small town and coming to Auburn on a full-ride scholarship gave me a chance to chase my dreams and to do something nobody had ever done in my family. Now, having my two brothers on my dad’s side chasing their dreams – my brother Jalewis Solomon playing at South Carolina and my younger brother Zayden Walker going to Georgia – having them do that makes me proud and grateful. 

“Auburn made me a better man. And there have been plenty of good times. I want everyone at Auburn to know I truly am grateful for that place. I love all the support that has been on our side throughout the hardships. I’m forever grateful for being able to be at Auburn. I love you all.”