Colorado native and legacy Buff Arden Walker came on strong last season, recording career-high marks in total tackles (33), TFLs (6.5) and sacks (4.5). He's another player who's taking on a greater leadership role
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00:00You're one of the guys he's looking to to step up as a leader. How have you kind of taken on that challenge?
00:05Yeah, I mean, I'm taking initiative. I think I gotta bring the guys along and set the tone starts in front of obviously
00:10So I make sure I make some noise
00:14You know, even bring the guys along like being a vocal leader as well
00:22Yeah, I mean I feel like I've coached from the back
00:25I've like in the middle of some guys and then even just some guys and I even in my position
00:29I feel like I can bring them along and be an uplifter and speak like them as well.
00:33We've heard a lot of hype about the D-line. What looks different about them and what makes them so efficient this spring?
00:39I think we just get natural on defense. The defensive line, we're definitely
00:44We're loaded I would say. We got some guys much more depth as well.
00:48So I think we're continuing just to stack days
00:51With these practices and then bring the guys that came in along as well
00:54So I make sure to know the defense and get ready for August.
00:57It was a collaborative effort between the coaches last year similar even with Coach Hilo and Coach Pecco coming in.
01:03Just kind of how's that been this spring work with two new coaches and just kind of how do you feel like those guys have
01:07Meshed so far this spring? I mean, it's been a drop-off. They understood the expectation for the defensive linemen.
01:13So they make sure that we're on top of our game regardless and make sure we know our alignment assignment and keys, of course.
01:20Martin, what have you seen out of Tajay so far in his third year in the program?
01:24He's coming along. Like I said, he's been developing. I'm glad that he's just been an incubator and I'm excited to see what he's going to do.
01:29So I think he's been doing great, honestly.
01:31Martin, what are your thoughts on the NCAA now along with this spring game with Colorado?
01:36What are your thoughts on that?
01:38I mean, cool man. We're setting trends right now. That's what we do at Colorado.
01:40So, I mean, we'll be able to do that. I mean, that would have been awesome.
01:43But I mean, I wish we could have. I feel like it's going to happen in the future though.
01:47Martin, you keep getting better every year, starting from Missouri to here.
01:50What do you feel like is the key to your progression this year and getting even better for you this year?
01:55I think, like, especially I think what Coach George was preaching to me was about IQ, just knowing what's going on.
02:00I feel like that's going to help me play faster.
02:02So it's just like knowing formations and reading my keys and stuff like that.
02:05I feel like if I continue to be consistent with that, I feel like I can be one of the best players in the country.
02:10It seemed like you played a big role in helping to improve run defense last year.
02:13You guys on the edge, it seemed like you took that personally, trying to set the edge last year.
02:17How has that carried over kind of in the offseason to guys who are maybe taking bigger roles,
02:20just kind of making sure they understand the importance of that?
02:22Yeah, I mean, I think it's a mindset thing. You got to make your mind up to play the run.
02:25I mean, everybody wants to pass rush, but like you had to stop the run to play the pass.
02:28So I think earning the right to rush the passer, I've increased that like my whole life.
02:33So just taking initiative with playing the run, I said, I put my boots on every time, every time I see a run play.
02:40What are you seeing out of those two new quarterbacks, Julian Lewis and Caden Salter?
02:44Oh, I thought they're both battling it out. So we're getting different feels from both the quarterbacks.
02:49Obviously, Caden's been in the game, and then you got a freshman, Julian.
02:54I think he's been coming along as well. I think they're both being really good.
02:58After being around them all last year, what's your pitch to NFL teams on B.J. Green?
03:01Just kind of what he brings to the table.
03:03I think he's a scrappy guy. He brings energy. He makes the energy plays.
03:07He's getting us going at times when we need it.
03:09So I'm excited for B.J. to play that next level for sure.
03:12So I hope those guys pick him up, and he makes the best of the opportunities.
03:17Any particular new offensive linemen standing out to you?
03:23I mean, I think I've been battling against Jordan every day, but that's who I've been going against every day, really.
03:28But I think everyone's kind of coming along.
03:31What are your first impressions of some of them, two of them young bulls in your edge room?
03:35Oh, they'll be ready. I promise you, they'll be ready.
03:37I mean, I'm not sure if they're going to need bulletin board material, but they're coming along for sure.
03:41They've been learning fast, which I mean, I appreciate that for sure.
03:43I feel like as a freshman, that's something I was preached to, and I've been telling them the same thing.
03:47So they've been trying to figure it out because they want to play, and I think they're hungry as well.
03:50So I really appreciate that they love the game.
03:53You just mentioned Jordan. Just how have you seen him kind of come along this second year?
03:56Yeah, I mean, honestly, he's been getting me better, and I feel like we've been going back and forth every rep.
04:00So I feel like we coach each other up when we've got to fix our techniques and stuff like that.
04:04But I think he'll be ready, and he's been doing really good.
04:06So, last question for Arden.
04:10Thank you, Arden.
04:11Thanks, Arden.