ND Cornerback Darrin Walls Inks Deal with Falcons

It was not an easy road but the one taken by Darrin Walls, no. 2 in the above photo, winds up at every football player's dream destination: the NFL.

Earlier today, Walls signed a deal with the Atlanta Falcons and will compete at the cornerback position. Although an original member of the class of '10, Walls left school entering his junior season in fall of '07 citing 'personal reasons.' By spring semester of '08 he was back on campus and returned for a successful remaining two years of play.

He never quite lived up to his hype as a high school all-american but he did show periods of brilliance, most of which are captured below.



Walls was heralded as one of the most underrated prospects of the 2011 NFL Draft namely due to his blazing speed (4.39 40-yard dash). All 32 teams passed on Walls during the draft though, resigning him to wait during the tumultuous lockout period over the past several months.

Best of luck to Walls as he fights to earn a spot on the permanent Falcons roster.

ND Secondary Takes A Hit, WR Too

In a statement released by the University of Notre Dame this afternoon it was announced that the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football team will be without two of its players next season: Junior CB Darrin Walls and redshirt senior D.J. Hord. 

Both losses hurt the team, though the loss of Walls is particularly hard to swallow. Walls had a tremendous spring and has NFL potential. While his departure is unfortunate there are a few positives: The secondary is perhaps the most talented unit for the Irish with Terrail Lambert, Raeshon McNeil, Gary Gray leading the way and freshmen Robert Blanton and Jamoris Slaughter adding quality depth. Some of the younger players will be given a chance to earn playing time, too. Walls has two years of eligibility remaining.

Hord will be transfering to a D-1AA school TBD. Injuries have plagued the career of this former 4-star recruit.

Here's what Weis had to say:

“We won’t have Darrin with us this season but I hope to have him return for the spring semester. Fortunately, cornerback is a position of strength on our team and this will provide opportunities for increased playing time for our corners.”

“I'd like to thank D.J. for all he has given to this team in his three years and wish him well in his future endeavors."