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The University of Mississippi Athletics
FEATURE: Little Big Man
9/16/2015 | Football
By Steven Oubre, Ole Miss Athletics Media Relations
Story Featured in the Ole Miss vs. Fresno State Football Game Program (Sept. 12)
Jaylen Walton is a firm believer that it is about the size of the fight in the dog.
The 5-foot-8, 176-pound running back and kick returner has never had a problem with his size, and seizes that as an opportunity for explosive plays in the run and return game.
"I think my size makes me more dynamic," Walton said. "You look at the SEC and even in the NFL, there aren't many guys my size or guys that can do what I can do. The ones that are can impact a team with their big-play potential. I bring different aspects to the game that most other guys can't bring."
The Memphis native is the Ole Miss record holder with 1,542 career kick return yards and ranks sixth in school history with 3,354 all-purpose yards. He started every game of the 2014 season and led the team last year in all-purpose yards, racking up at least 100 all-purpose yards in five games. His biggest game was against in-state rival Mississippi State, where he collected 202 all-purpose yards. He also led the team in scoring with seven touchdowns.
With his size and versatility, Walton humbly compares himself to NFL stars Darren Sproles and Ole Miss alum Dexter McCluster.
"I see my playing style similar to Darren Sproles because he is versatile. He doesn't take big hits and knows how to maneuver through a tackle - and Dexter McCluster because he is elusive and knows how to make guys miss and take it the distance," explained Walton.
Walton, a Ridgeway High product, has taken on the lead role of the return game since his freshman year. He saw early success, averaging about 25 yards per return and taking one to the house for a touchdown against the Texas Longhorns. He was fourth in the SEC in kick return yards. Since then, he has noticed that teams have keyed on his kick return strengths.
"When returning kicks my freshman year, the players I went up against seemed really slow. I was averaging 25 yards per kick return and having a good freshman season. But then people started to key on me a little more and start to kick the ball higher or towards the sidelines and covering towards me. It messed with the return a little. This year, with our new special teams coordinator, coach Corey Batoon, we will have some plays for when we need a big return."
Walton also doesn't shy away from making a play in a big game. He caught the game-winning touchdown against top-ranked Alabama, a 10-yard pass that put the Rebels up 23-17 late in the fourth quarter. His longest play of the season came in the Egg Bowl, where eluded several would-be tacklers, ran across the field and broke for 91 yards down the sideline for a touchdown.
While noting that he is looking forward to every game of his final and senior season, he is looking forward to a rematch at home against the LSU Tigers.
"I've got every game circled on my calendar this year, but I definitely have LSU circled on my calendar. I've got LSU because at the end of that game, it came down to everyone executing. Playing down there in that environment, you can't slip up anywhere if you want to come out with a victory."
The Ole Miss running game, which ranked in the bottom half of the SEC last year, is looking to see a big improvement with a talented backfield, led by Walton, and veteran offensive line.
"We have a pretty successful backfield, but we also need a solid offensive line," Walton noted. "We know that every run isn't going to be a breakaway play. Getting three to five yards a carry is pretty good if it gets the chains moving. Our offensive line has improved this spring. We need to make sure when a running back gets the ball, we make the right reads and explode through the hole that our line creates."
In his final season as an Ole Miss Rebel, Walton believes this is the year that they can make a run at the College Football Playoff.
"This year, I'm looking forward to every game. I think we have the talent and depth to win them all. We can make the playoffs. We just need to stay healthy and keep grinding," he says. "I have strong determination to do whatever it takes to make my team successful."
