Earlier we reported that the St. Louis BattleHawks would be naming their Tier 1 quarterback 30 minutes prior to the XFL Draft. Now we’re starting to hear some potential names for at least one other franchise.
According to Mark Berman former Temple QB, Phillip Walker will be named the starting quarterback for the Roughnecks.
@xfl2020 will name the quarterbacks for each of its 8 teams Tuesday. XFL sources indicate the Houston franchise (@XFLRoughnecks)expected to get former @Temple_FB QB Phillip Walker (@pjwalker_8)who has been on the @Colts practice squad off & on since 2017, most recently last month
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) October 15, 2019
Walker began his collegiate career as a backup to Connor Reilly. Walker would eventually earn the starting spot at quarterback in week 6 against Cincinnati, where he would throw his first collegiate touchdown.
Walker’s sophomore season did not include as many highlights as his 2013 debut performance; however, Walker did earn career-high completions (29) and pass attempts (49) in a losing effort against Navy in Week 2. Walker was able to secure three honorable mentions during the season (Weeks 1, 2 and 4) and passed for at least 1 touchdown in his first seven games.
Walker would start every game in his junior year, becoming only the third person to do so in Owl history. In a rare feat, Walker would both throw for and receive a pass in two, two-point conversion attempts, in Week 8, in a winning effort against UCF. Walker would lead the Owls to a 10-4 overall record (7-1 in conference play), earning a bid to the Boca Raton Bowl in losing effort against the Toledo Rockets by a score of 17-32. He finished the season with a school record 2,972 passing yards and tied the record for total offense (rushing and passing) with 3,179 yards.
Walker’s final year at Temple was a record-setting season for the senior. In the season opener against Army, Walker became Temple’s all-time passing yards leader (10,273 yards). Walker would again lead the Owls to a bowl game at the end of the season, following a 10-4 overall record (7-1 in conference); Walker and the Owls would lose the Military Bowl 26-34 against Wake Forest. Additionally, Walker would receive numerous honors, accolades and watch-list nominations in the 2016 season including, but not limited to: American Athletic Conference Championship Game Most Outstanding Player, CFPA National Player of the Year Watch List, Davey O’Brien Award Watch List, as well as multiple preseason and conference recognitions.
As of July 2017, Walker is the Owls all-time leader in wins by a starting quarterback (28), passing yards, passing touchdowns, completions, attempts, total yards and total touchdowns. Phillip lead the Owls to their first conference title in 49 years (2016) and their first ever back-to-back bowl appearances in school history (2015 and 2016).
