On the Plains with Zykeivous Walker: 'All glory to God'

Auburn sixth-year senior Zykeivous Walker is ready to capitalize on new opportunities this season and be a contributing factor to success for the team and the Auburn Family.

Walker, a native of Ellaville, Georgia, who attended Schley County High School, committed to Auburn in November of 2019, just before the Iron Bowl.

“Auburn snuck up on me at the last minute,” he said. “Maybe two or three weeks out from my signing day, I had my mindset set on something else. I prayed about it and talked to family and went through the process in prayer, and God just put it on my heart that Auburn is the place for me. I don’t regret it at all.”

Walker has faced adversity throughout his life and has always been there for his mom and three sisters during difficult times. Despite the adversity, he has stayed grounded in his faith and is forever grateful for everything that God has done in his life.

“My dad passed away when I was 8 years old. My household was me and three of my sisters,” Walker recalls. “Seeing my mom having to raise us in our house by herself, it motivated me and made me want to take care of my mom and give her flowers while she can still smell them. She deserves the world.”

Walker graduated from Auburn last August from the College of Liberal Arts with a degree in interdisciplinary studies, with three emphases in business, sports communication, and sports broadcasting, along with a minor in leadership.

When asked about a mentor throughout his career, Walker’s answer was never in doubt.

“I have a good group of people that I talk to, but at the end of the day, it’s God,” he said. “I wouldn’t be where I am without him and surely wouldn’t be doing what I am doing without  him. I give all the glory to God because he’s the reason why I am here today.

“I know he has a plan for me. He has done his part and gotten me here. I know he will continue to bless me, but I just have to continue to work hard and do my part.”

Experience is something Walker has put an emphasis on for this upcoming season. He is excited about what the team can accomplish this year and is ready to continue to be a leader for the newcomers and help the team succeed.

“We want to win the SEC Championship, win a national championship, and just be the best in the world and beat anybody who gets in front of us,” Walker said. “I think we have the team that can do it. Since I have been at Auburn, I have never felt so good about a season. I feel like this is the year. 

“This is my last year here and I want to make it a great one. I’m going to do whatever I can for the team to be able to make that happen, and I want my team to know that they’re going to get it all from me.”

Ready to lay it all on the line for the team, Walker is prepared to do everything he can to achieve his goals and be there for his teammates. 

“I just want to be available and be the best I can for my team,” he said. “Lead the guys in the room the way it should be led. I really want to have the best year of my life and give myself a great chance to get drafted and live out my dream of playing in the league. I think the door is wide open for me to do that, and I’m going to put the work in and do what I have to do to make it happen.”

The past five years at Auburn have had a resounding impact on Walker’s life. He has been able to give his all for the team and chase after his dreams of playing at the next level through hard work and determination.

“It has helped me grow as a man,” Walker said. “I’ve learned how to overcome adversity and to keep your foot on the pedal and keep your head down. Keep working hard, and better days will come. I love this place. It’s done a lot for me and opened some doors for me. I don’t regret anything because I love it here.”

Walker has embraced his leadership role during the past few seasons because of that experience and hard work. He wants to push the newcomers and be there for his teammates because he has been in their shoes before.

“I just want to come in here every day and be the same guy and be consistent,” he said. “At the end of the day, I know there are younger guys in the room who look up to me. I’ve been here for a while and have seen a lot of ball, so I know the right way of doing things. Obviously, I wasn't perfect when I first got here, and I had to look up to people too.”

In his time at Auburn, Walker has made deep connections with his teammates. He’s been forever grateful for his team and the support from the Auburn Family, a family that has been a defining factor throughout his journey. 

“I think the quote, ‘If you love Auburn, Auburn will love you back,’ says it for itself,” Walker said. “My brothers that I come in here and talk to every day – I love those guys. It’s been a blessing and I’m just so grateful to be here. It could be the other way around. I’m just thankful.”