Redshirt senior Jake Walker has battled through a broken neck and fractured ankle, adjusted to three different offensive schemes and changed schools two times in the last three seasons. Now, he is ready to return Eastern to football prominence by capping off his collegiate career with an Ohio Valley Conference championship.

“My personal goal is to get that ring,” Walker said. “That’s all it is. We haven’t set any goals for wins, but if you get that ring, you (have) enough wins.”

Walker is coming off of an injury plagued junior season that had him rushing for a team-leading 580 yards on 151 carries. He also proved to be a threat in the red zone as he recorded 10 touchdowns, placing at fourth in the OVC among running backs.

Walker’s statistics could have been better, but a fractured ankle in the season opening game against Illinois State limited him to just 13 carries through the first three games of the season. He was forced to miss the premier non-conference game against Big Ten member and in-state foe Northwestern, and was limited to just one carry the following week against Tennessee Tech.

Although he had a slow start to the season, he came on strong at the end of the season, eclipsing the 100-yard mark in two of the last three games.

To avoid injuries in his senior season and to ensure that he can contribute throughout the season, Walker has gone through a series of rehabilitation sessions to strengthen his body for the upcoming season.

“I’ve just been strengthening the areas I have actually had my injuries in,” Walker said. “I broke my neck and I actually got it back to full strength last season. I fractured my ankle, but now (my ankle is) back stronger. Basically, I just need to run more carefully and read the field to make sure I keep myself healthy for the team.”

Along with staying healthy, Walker has been faced with the tough task of learning and preparing for an up-tempo offense that will routinely see the Panthers using a no-huddle offense to keep the defense off-balanced and fatigued.

“Babers’ offense is very speed oriented,” Walker said. “Spoo’s (offense) was a slow-tempo, huddle offense where you could get your breath. Coach Babers’ offense is fast-paced and it’s going to be hard for the defense to keep up. There is nothing you can really do to condition for our offense.”

The Panthers new offensive game plan will feature a pass-heavy offense that will have Walker contributing in a number of ways to help the team this season.

“I will be blocking on the edge and in between the lines,” Walker said. “I’ll just be doing whatever I can to help out the team; preventing sacks and catching balls in the backfield.”

Along with a newly implemented up-tempo offense the Panthers have also instilled a close-knit feel around the program that has them feeling confident about the upcoming season.

“The attitude is completely different,” Walker said. “Everyone’s head is on right and everyone is more focused than we have ever been. Our chemistry as a family and as a team is ridiculous. Last year we were more spaced out, but this year we are together and ready to take (the season) on.”

Jake Walker and the Panthers will open the new era of Eastern football on Thursday when it host in-state rival Southern Illinois-Carbondale at 6:30 p.m. at O’Brien Field.

Jordan Pottorff can be reached at 581-2812 or jbpottorff@eiu.edu.