On the Plains with Dallas Walker IV: ‘Best version of myself’

Since his high school days in Symrna, Tennessee, Dallas Walker IV has been preparing for a football career.

“Just being there [Smyrna High School] and being around the team and the coaching staff, they have prepared me in a good way for the position I am now,” Walker said.

The 6-foot-3, 362-pound senior defensive linemen has known ever since he was a kid that he had a gift for playing football.

“It was when I was younger, when I was first around 9 or 10, when I first started playing because the coaches really liked how I was just a natural at it,” Walker said. 

In middle school, Walker played all over the field and by the time he hit high school, he played both ways – on the defensive line and tight end. In his senior year, Walker had 30 tackles, as well as 12 receptions for 155 yards and two touchdowns. 

His productivity led the four-star recruit to commit to Texas A&M out of high school. He was there for two seasons before taking a gap year after the birth of his first son. 

“I took some time off from [Texas] A&M so I could be able to be at the house and help out as he was home,” Walker said.

Walker then entered the transfer portal and chose Western Kentucky, where he played for two seasons. His game took a big step in 2024 when he really started to shine. 

In 14 games, Walker made 49 tackles, four tackles for loss, a forced fumble and an interception, leading to a decision to transfer to Auburn to return to the SEC.

“My main goal when I got back to college football was always to get to a place where I would have an opportunity and have the potential to go to the NFL and reach my NFL aspirations,” he said.

Walker chose Auburn not only for his NFL aspirations but also because of the program’s family vibe.

“What brought me here was the full family aspect of it,” Walker said. “I love how everyone in Auburn rides for each other and everyone is a die-hard Auburn fan.”

Walker arrived in January, taking part in spring practice for the Tigers. 

“I feel like my spring practice was good,” he said. “We all got things to clean up and things we could be better at. But I feel I was just getting used to the system and settling in to how Auburn does things.”

Walker felt the same joy and hope when he talked of his expectations for Auburn in 2025. 

“I want to win, win games, and compete in all of the games in this conference,” Walker said. “But an SEC championship would be a great season.

“Personally, I just want to be the best version of myself. Obviously, the main goal is to get to the NFL. That’s everyone’s dream. But for me personally, I just want to be able to go out there and show great effort and just be who I am every day.”

The interdisciplinary studies major also has high hopes off the field as well. His emphases on sports management and parks & recreation have pushed him to support the community after his time in football is over. 

“After football, I would want to be a coach somewhere,” Walker said. “I want to eventually build up to coaching at higher levels as a career, but I also want to open up my own park.” 

Walker’s dream would be one based off athletics and giving back. It involves athletic fields for multiple kinds of sports and managing the park thanks to his concentration.

As Dallas Walker IV reflects on the time he’s invested in football, he thinks of those who have helped him achieve success, including Coach Matt Williams from Smyrna High School and his strength coach, “Coach B.” 

“Those were the two people who kind of got me through all four years of high school,” Walker said. “They taught me a lot and everything I could think of.”