Major South Carolina flip target named Navy All-American

On Tuesday, a major South Carolina flip target announced that he had accepted an invitation to play in the Navy All-American Game.

The Gamecocks have been working hard to get into position to flip Dutch Fork High School EDGE Julian Walker. The 6-6, 255-pound defensive lineman–whose dad, Jamil Walker, is on the strength staff in Columbia–committed to Michigan this summer over the local team.

The All-American accolade comes well deserved for Walker. He has had another strong showing for Dutch Fork, even ending a contest against another Columbia school with a game-winning sack. He has seen his recruiting rankings jump, too.

Despite the Michigan pledge, Carolina hasn’t backed off, as the four-star prospect remains a heavy priority. Walker hasn’t wavered with his Wolverines commitment but has admitted that he is open to hearing from the Gamecocks more.

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The younger Walker has been on campus at least twice this season and has had good things to say about the experiences and about the Gamecock coaching staff. He has especially talked up his relationships with defensive ends/outside linebackers coach Sterling Lucas and head coach Shane Beamer.

Walker remains committed to Michigan and has a return trip to Ann Arbor on the schedule. However, the Gamecocks will keep pushing.

Rivals views Walker as the nation’s No. 80 overall prospect. He is No. 12 nationally among EDGE players and No. 3 in South Carolina.

So far, the Gamecocks have no EDGE prospects committed in the 2026 recruiting cycle. Pledges Andrew Harris and Keenan Britt are high school pass rushers who will transition to linebacker full-time in Columbia. Combo defensive lineman Aiden Harris (Andrew’s twin brother) will play defensive tackle for USC.

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