Defensive coordinator Rob Livingston didn’t hold back this week when talking about junior pass rusher Arden Walker — and it’s more than just his play that’s turning heads.
“He’s taken on a real leadership role,” Livingston said, practically beaming. “I can’t say enough about Arden.”
This is the kind of praise that carries weight. Livingston isn’t the type to toss out compliments unless they’re earned, and in a spring that’s been a bit of a rollercoaster, Walker has been the steady hand. He seems like one of those guys who shows up the same way every day, which is saying something in a camp full of new faces and transfers.
Walker, a Cherry Creek High School grad, feels like the heartbeat of a defense looking to find its rhythm after a 2024 season that saw flashes of brilliance but finished near the middle of the Big 12. The Buffs defense was ranked 7th in the conference in total defense — not bad, but not enough for a team looking to make noise.
What separates Walker? It's not just the stats (though don’t be shocked if they come in bunches this fall). It’s the way he carries himself — a coach on the field, a tone-setter in the locker room, and a player who knows the "why" behind the scheme, not just the "what."
If Colorado is going to take the next step defensively in 2025, it’s going to be with guys like Arden Walker leading the charge. And if Livingston’s excitement is any clue, Walker is going to have a big year in 2025.
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