Walton makes it official
From the time Colorado extended a scholarship offer to Dallas Walton on February 1 to the first day of the late signing period on April 13, there was no drama associated with his recruitment.
The Class of 2016 center prospect, from Arvada (Colo.) West, always knew he wanted to be a Buff. Walton made his commitment to Colorado official on Wednesday when he signed his letter of intent shortly after 8 am.
“It is a really good feeling,” he said of finalizing the recruiting process. “I don't think it has quite hit me yet.”
Wesley Gordon still has another year of eligibility, and Tory Miller has two more years to play with the Buffaloes, but with the departure of Josh Scott, Walton will add some much needed size to the roster when he arrives this summer.
“I worked out with Josh a couple times over spring break and I learned a lot from him. He just has so much knowledge, that is one thing I admire about him," he said. "With Josh's exit, I know there is a chance to rise up and really prove myself to the staff this summer and hopefully get the chance to take some of those minutes next year. They see me as an inside-out big man that will be able to spread out the court."
Walton also received offers from Brown, Denver, Middle Tennessee State and Wyoming. He was a late-bloomer, primarily because he tore the ACL in his left knee twice, first during his sophomore year and again right before his junior prep season. Walton is still working to get back to 100 percent. He estimates that he is currently 85 percent recovered from the knee surgeries.
“There were certain moments during my senior season where I didn't even remember that I had surgery. But then there were definitely other moments where it was in the back of my mind,” Walton said. “Those back-to-back games, those could be rough because my legs would just get tired. And there are still some moves I am just not confident in.”
There was a silver lining with the knee injuries, though. Walton was 6-foot-9, 175-pounds when he suffered his first torn ACL. He now stands 7-foot, 218-pounds.
“Missing my junior season actually gave me time to really focus on me and trying to fill in those gaps I knew college coaches were looking for me to fill, in terms of adding weight and improving my skill level,” he said.
Walton earned first-team all-county honors after averaging 16.1 points, 10.2 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game for Arvada West this winter. He is currently working out with a strength coach at D-1 Sports Training, a facility in Highlands Ranch, and he does big man training with his high school coach on a weekly basis.
“I also workout at my local rec center to try to get even more strength and conditioning in,” Walton said. “I will be heading up to CU on May 31 so I know during the summer I'll have an opportunity to keep making significant gains. CU's coaches want me to get in good shape so when we start practicing, I can jump right into it. I can't wait.”
