Virginia Football Q&A: Running Back Transfer Ronnie Walker Jr. Discusses Decision

By: Chris Horne |

Indiana University running back transfer Ronnie Walker Jr., a player Virginia football head coach Bronco Mendenhall recruited heavily in the class of 2018, has been announced as the newest member of the Virginia football program. The sooner the former Hopewell High School (VA) star can play for the Hoos, the better.

Ronnie Walker Jr., pictured here playing against Penn State, rushed for 221 yards and two touchdowns and had 112 yards receiving and one score in two seasons with Indiana. He now heads to Virginia, where he will have two seasons of eligibility remaining. ~ Photo credit: Associated Press

Rotational running backs Lamont Atkins and P.K. Kier had eligibility remaining but moved on, and rising redshirt freshman Seneca Milledge, a speedster who probably was more suited for an H-Back role, decided to transfer. These departures left the Cavaliers with only two eligible scholarship tailbacks – junior Wayne Taulapapa and redshirt freshman Mike Hollins – on the roster in the 2020 season, along with senior scholarship big back Jamari Peacock, whose primary role is as a blocker.

Walker Jr. gaining immediate eligibility – at this point, per NCAA transfer rules he’ll have to redshirt one year – solidifies the running back position for UVA in 2020. The 5’11”, 210-pound college sophomore is a good all-around back with two years of major college football experience under his belt. Walker Jr. and UVA coaches must wait and see regarding the eligibility issue. For now, both parties are just excited that Walker Jr. will be at UVA.

Q&A with Ronnie Walker Jr.

You entered the transfer portal on February 6. How was your decision-making process? Was it a difficult decision or did you have an idea of where you wanted to go early on?

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