Local star Cooper Walton commits to Colorado State

FORT COLLINS, CO. — Colorado State football received its second verbal commitment from a local prospect for the 2022 recruiting cycle. Cooper Walton, a 6-foot-1, 210-pound two-way star for Roosevelt High School, announced his commitment to the Green & Gold on Twitter over the weekend. With a graphic from the athletic department, Walton posted, “100% a Ram”. 

Walton was a monster for the Johnstown—based squad in 2020. On offense he averaged 7.9 yards per carry and finished the season with 324 yards and eight rushing touchdowns in as many games played. Walton also recorded 31 solo tackles (75 total) and two and half sacks as a linebacker. What’s more, the local star totaled 17 tackles for loss which was two more than the previous year in three less games played. Three forced fumbles was also a career-best figure for Walton in 2020. 

While Walton’s cumulative statistics are certainly impressive, perhaps what stands out the most is the impact he made for his team in the postseason. The Roughriders went 7-1 this past season, ultimately reaching the Colorado 3A State Championship Game. Walton was an absolute beast for his team in that process. 

Matched up against the McBride brothers’ alma mater Fort Morgan High School in the opening round, Walton scored his team’s only touchdowns in a tight 17-16 win. He led the defense with 11 total tackles (2 for loss) and forced a fumble for good measure as well. 

Then, in a 49-19 victory over Pueblo South in the semifinal, Walton rushed for three more touchdowns and once again led the defense with 15 total tackles (2 for loss). Roosevelt ultimately fell 21-14 to Durango in the title game, but it wasn’t for a lack of production from Walton who tied for the team-lead in total tackles (5) and tackles for loss (2). 

Steve Addazio has often said that he looks for players that have the right mindset and can help lead their teams to victory. Walton has been exactly that for Roosevelt HS over the years. Walton is a three-time all-conference selection, two-time all-state linebacker and a two-time North Valley League defensive player of the year. He is a Sonny Lubick-type player — someone that is homegrown, a proven winner, and undervalued by bigger programs due to false perceptions of the competition he faced. 

Sure, some of the guys he went up against were lesser talents, but when you watch Walton on film it’s clear that he’s an above-average athlete and an extremely savvy football player. He is patient as the play develops and demonstrates good anticipation skills as a linebacker. When it’s time to make a play, though, Walton explodes to the ball carrier and uses good form to bring him down. One of the things that really impressed me on his Hudl highlight was how nasty he fought threw blockers. On multiple occasions Walton absolutely flattened a lead blocker before making the play. 

With the addition of Walton, CSU’s 2022 class is now up to four. Most recently the Rams received a verbal from three-star quarterback Jake McNamara. Prior to that CSU picked up its first local commit in Ky Oday Jr. (Cherry Creek High School). Texas running back Malachi Medlock (Duncanville High School) was the first commit for the 2022 cycle. 

It’s unclear which position Walton is being recruited to play. One would assume linebacker, however, with his raw skills it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get an early look on offense. No matter where he lines up, though, he appears to be a quality prospect with great potential. Another really solid local addition for Addazio and his staff.