Interview: 3-Star Mississippi DB/ATH Justin Walley Talks All-State Junior Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Invoking the name “Walley” in Mississippi immediately brings the word “athlete” and the phrase “football player” to the lips. At D’Iberville High School, the Warriors had two Walleys on the field during the 2019 football season and each brought their own flavor of success to the game. Class of 2020 three-star athlete Jaden Walley is off to Mississippi State after signing in the early period while younger brother Justin Walley is embarking on his own process along the recruiting trail after another standout season.
The long list of credits to Justin Walley’s football resume includes making plays on both sides of the ball and at a rate that continues to improve. Walley’s sophomore season ended with 43 stops, 36 solo, with two tackles for a loss, four picks, four passes broken up, two fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble. On the other side of the ball he hauled in eight for 216 yards with two trips into the end zone.
If improvement is part of the scouting process for up-and-coming talents, Walley has that covered. The 5-10, 175-pound, Biloxi area product increased his output on offense securing 12 passes for 230 yards with a score and carried the rock 26 times for 348 yards with six more touchdowns. Alternating between corner and safety, he got nasty on ball carriers with 74 tackles, 46 solo, adding a tackle for a loss, a pick, and knocked away seven hopeful passes. When it came time for special teams play, he returned two punts for 76 yards, blocked two punts, and blocked a field goal showing he could impact the game in all three phases.
Given all that Walley does to help put wins on the board for the Warriors, college programs want a piece of that action. Four offers have been dropped from Arkansas, Auburn, Mississippi State, and Southern Miss on the lap of the first team All-State and All-District MVP honoree. To learn more about his game and his recruiting process, I sat down with Justin for a one-on-one.
Interview
Justin, you seem to have a knack for making plays no matter where you are on the field. Beyond your athletic abilities, what is the secret to your success on the field?
“Hard work.”
I like it. As a sophomore you picked off four passes and they seemingly stopped throwing your way this year. So, you found another way to create turnovers coming up with seven forced fumbles. What were you doing there to be so successful at getting the pigskin loose?
“I try to help my team win games; I was going for the strip.”
When you are on defense, it looks like your role changes depending on the team. If you will, tell where all you lined up in 2019 and the roles you played?
“Most of the time I am guarding their best receiver or coming in at safety against a run team.”
How did your game improve on defense?
“I became a better tackler, I was faster, and I got better at recognizing the route tree.”
Going over to offense, how did your game improve as a receiver?
“Being faster helped me get separation on my routes from defenders.”
Which game did you turn in your best performance in 2019?
“My best game was against St. Martin.”
What did you do well against St. Martin to make it your best?
“I had two big TDs and a lot of tackles. I held their best receiver to one catch.”
Of all the positions played, which is your favorite?
“Corner or safety.”
Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Louisville, Kentucky, South Alabama, UAB, and Alabama are showing interest but have not offered.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have four offers.”
Since the start of the 2019 season, have you taken any unofficial visits?
“Yes. I took a visit to Mississippi State when my brother (3-star ATH Jaden Walley) took his official there.” (Jaden signed with MSU during the early signing period)
How did that visit go for you?
“It was good. Coach Johnson was really nice. All the coaches were nice.”
Are you competing in any other sports for D’Iberville?
“Yes. I am running track.”
Which events?
“The 400, 200, 100, and 4×1 and 4×4 relays.”
Impressive. Beyond your track workouts, what will you focus on with your offseason workouts?
“My hips, my top end speed, and my breaks.”
Justin, thanks for your time today and good luck with your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Walley family; Justin Walley at Mississippi State