August 23, 2025 • 19 mins
Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns starting quarterback Walker Howard joins the Fitz Take Podcast to break down his football journey and goals for the 2025 season. From learning at LSU behind Heisman winner Jayden Daniels and competing against Jaxson Dart at Ole Miss, to reflecting on Brian Kelly, Lane Kiffin, and his path to Lafayette, Howard shares what it means to be QB1 for the Cajuns. We also talk about expectations for the Sun Belt, his leadership in the locker room, and what it will take for Louisiana to bring home a conference title.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
What's good, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome into another episode
of the Fifth Tag Podcast. I'm your guy, JaMarcus Fitzpatrick,
but you know you can always call me fitz. That
man in boxes with me is my co host, Elijah Nixon. Guys,
if you are listening to this podcast, go ahead and
give us a like and subscribe to the podcast feed.
If you're watching us on YouTube for the first time,
hit the bell down below and subscribe, like the video
(00:22):
and also leave us a comment because that helps us
to continue to grow this channel. We've had a lot
of great interviews on the channel back and forth different
times and things like that. But we have yet another
great guest coming onto the show and he's a hometown kid.
He's a guy that's from the Latviat area. He's bounced around,
had a couple places that he's been at, but he
(00:43):
has come back home and he has recently just been
announced as the starting quarterback of the Louisiana Raging Cages
and he is ready to lead the way for his
hometown team. I'm talking about none other than mister Walker Howard,
former histm couger Man.
Speaker 2 (01:00):
How you doing, Walker doing great? Excited to be here
and really excited about the season.
Speaker 3 (01:05):
It's gonna be.
Speaker 2 (01:05):
I mean great news, you know, getting that quarterback for
one spot and you know the work just you know,
that was the first accomplishment, but now the work starts
now and you know it has nothing hasn't even started yet,
and get ready for the season.
Speaker 1 (01:20):
No doubt. Man. First of all, just walk us through
what the conversation was like with coach it is when
he told you that you were the starting quarterback, and
what those emotions were kind of like for you.
Speaker 3 (01:31):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:32):
Absolutely, I mean it was definitely emotional. Like I said
in our last interview, it was emotional. It's been a
long journey for me. You know, I've worked really hard
and you know, it's it's it's those things when you
have to keep pushing through things like when you feel
like you've you've done enough, you worked your your tail
fall season and you still haven't accomplished, like you still
haven't gotten to where you want to be, and you
(01:53):
get disappointing yourself and it's hard, and uh, you know,
getting through that and pushing out another year of pushing
through it and uh, you know, actually getting that spot.
Speaker 4 (02:02):
It's no better feelings.
Speaker 5 (02:04):
And speaking of that, different different destinations unless you old
miss it. Now you're back here, what can you say
you learned about yourself through every step of the way
until you get back on Yeah.
Speaker 2 (02:15):
Absolutely, I mean I would say, you know my journey,
I mean it's been the highs and lows, like I've
talked about before.
Speaker 4 (02:22):
And you know, I don't regret any decision I ever made.
Speaker 2 (02:25):
You know, that's who That's what's made me the person
I am today, and that's gonna be the person I'm
going to be in the future. And you know, I
think it's it's just maybe a better person and a
better football player and long run, and I'm excited.
Speaker 1 (02:41):
You had talked about in the media availability after you
were announced as QB one. You talked about Cayden pre scoring.
You talked about Jackson Dork kind of being the guys
that helped to push you, and you revealed to us
man that you you didn't even know if you were
going to play football this year at all, Like talk
about how instrumental those guys were in like helping you,
like being your guys say hey man, we know it's
(03:03):
hard right now, but just keep pushing. Let's let's get
through this.
Speaker 2 (03:07):
Yeah, And I think that goes back to like what
I said, It's like when I feel like I've given
my all to something and you fall in short something,
it's hard. It's hard to bounce backward, especially when you
feel like you did everything you could at a certain
point and you know you failed, and you know, you
start having doubt in yourself. You started thinking in the
back of the head, am I really Am I really
(03:28):
good enough to play?
Speaker 1 (03:29):
You know?
Speaker 4 (03:29):
I really good enough to do this? And you know
is this meant for me? And uh, you know, there's
those two guys really pushed me, and a bunch of
guys in my life they've really pushed me to be great.
And you know, I'm still thankful for those guys and
thank for the like my support system were making better
as a better person, a better football player, and believing
in myself again. And that's what Coach does, That's what
we talked about. He said, there's no reason you shouldn't
(03:50):
believe in yourself, you know, believing yourself. You're a great
football player. You're you're a great player. Believe in yourself
and and that's what I'm That's what I've started to do,
and I believe back to myself and you know, I'm
really enjoying were at and I'm happy where I am
right now.
Speaker 6 (04:05):
I'm happy you talked about coach Dance because I wanted to, Actually,
you are us with a b K.
Speaker 7 (04:10):
He was with.
Speaker 6 (04:12):
Lane Kiffin and now he was with You're with coach
des How how is his personality different from.
Speaker 5 (04:18):
The other two that that you've played with?
Speaker 4 (04:19):
Pleat under they're all great football, Thirk.
Speaker 7 (04:22):
You know, everyone's at there a different story, everyone's got
different things and puts Das got a early cool story
and you know, I was talking to him, I was like,
it's pretty crazy that you are.
Speaker 4 (04:30):
A head coach, like coming's been what you.
Speaker 7 (04:32):
Had to do, and uh like where you came from
and like going from high school coaching a little bit
at you all and then still get the head coach job,
Like that's awesome.
Speaker 4 (04:41):
And you know they all.
Speaker 7 (04:43):
They all are great at different things. And you know,
Chus says does a great job. You know, the team
loves him. Everyone loves him. He does a great job.
You know, he's got a great he's got a great,
great team and a great uh coach of staff with him.
Speaker 1 (04:55):
You talked about earlier man of just you know, being
in a position where you feel like you put in
so much work and you're not able to you know,
accomplish it. Talk about the some kind of pressures that
could have you know, weigh on your shoulders coming out
of high school number three duel with Thrugh quarterback, all
these different accolades and things, and those things don't come
(05:16):
through fruishing for you. Talk about how that was able
to make you kind of what you are now to
be in this position as the quarterback you are.
Speaker 8 (05:25):
Yeah, I mean, like I said, I think all those
challenges that I've been through in the past, and just
keep pushing forward, to keep pushing through everything I've been through.
Speaker 1 (05:34):
And you know that's what that's what's so great about
this sport.
Speaker 4 (05:38):
You know, it's the highs and lowers.
Speaker 7 (05:40):
You know, there's a there's no better feeling being going
through the highs in the sport, and there's no worse
feeling and going through the lowers in the field.
Speaker 5 (05:47):
Now, man who's talking to uh to skip Tye skipper.
Speaker 6 (05:51):
And he was saying you could slinker and Uh, this
offense we all know is a three back offense to
everybody can run the ball, but I know, we probably
figure that you're gonna be taking your shots here and
there down the field. And now, how do you feel
like your game is gonna work in this offense?
Speaker 4 (06:06):
You know absolutely?
Speaker 8 (06:06):
I mean I'm definitely gonna bring my tools in the game,
and I'm gonna obviously bring what this offense wants to do.
Speaker 4 (06:12):
You know, we have a really good running we have
really good running.
Speaker 2 (06:14):
Backs, we have really good old lineman, and you know,
I'm gonna bring my little pieces and that I can
bring to the table and try to help with the offense.
Speaker 4 (06:22):
But you know, we have a great team.
Speaker 2 (06:25):
We've got a great We've got great players, and you
know it's gonna make it easier on me.
Speaker 1 (06:28):
We talked about this, me and you on report day
before fall camp. Obviously you came in, you know, during
the spring window, and you going through spring football. Now
that you've been named the starting quarterback, now that you're
going through most of fall camp seasons about to come up,
how have you shifted in kind of being the new
guy to now being the guy that's a leader on
(06:50):
the team.
Speaker 4 (06:52):
Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (06:52):
I think you gotta like right when you come in,
you have the town to take a step back, you know,
you don't want to be. You gotta figure out what
the team is, what the culture is, and you can't
just come in and you know things are run.
Speaker 4 (07:03):
You know they they've been successful in the past.
Speaker 2 (07:05):
You know they're they're a really good football team last year,
you know, and that's.
Speaker 4 (07:09):
What I wanted to see.
Speaker 2 (07:10):
What this team captains and what this the leaderships wanted
to do with this team. And now I had to
take a step back, you know, kind of just watch
and work my tail off and prove to those guys
that I can be their guy and will be their
guy one day. And you know that's now getting to
that role now, it's stepping up and being a bigger
vocal leader and a late leader all over the field.
And and that's that's what kind of my role has
(07:32):
got to be coming up now.
Speaker 4 (07:33):
It's kind of pushing these guys more and more.
Speaker 3 (07:35):
Now.
Speaker 6 (07:36):
That is what was more so about the team besides
the quarterback. And you probably might say the office a
live in room because you know they got to protect you,
but that's cheating. Well, what is the most fun group
that you've been around in the room? Position groups?
Speaker 2 (07:51):
Honestly, I would say the best, The biggest thing was
obviously the lie. You know, a lot of these guys
have been playing, honestly, like they've they've they've had a
lot of the biggest development I think was been with
the receivers.
Speaker 4 (08:04):
It's been fun with the receivers. You know, a lot
of these guys haven't played.
Speaker 2 (08:06):
A lot of these guys have done such a great
job of just improving every single day, Like they were
begging me to go get some work in.
Speaker 4 (08:13):
That's such a great feeling as a quarterback.
Speaker 2 (08:14):
You know when you're not when you have to text
guys and try to drag them out. But I mean,
those guys were willing to work every single day. They
wanted to get better. They asked me, they pushed, they
wanted my opinion, they wanted like they wanted feedback. And
those receivers they've they've were really fun this year. You know,
these running backs, you know, they've they've proven themselves. They
they're great players. These receiver rooms they want they want
to prove themselves. And same thing with the titan rooms.
(08:38):
They're they're like, they're great players. You know, they they've
waited their time and they're ready to roll, just like me.
Speaker 4 (08:44):
I mean, the same situation.
Speaker 1 (08:46):
You talked about those receivers, man coach Le when we
had talked to him or reported that, he mentioned just
how fast everyone is in their receiver room, that there's
no such thing as let's put a speeester out there,
give it to them on a jet sweep, like anybody
can take the time top off if you have guys
out there. How exciting does that make you as a quarterback?
Knowing man, if I go on a nine route, you
(09:07):
know I can do it in the slot, can do
it on the outside, tight end, any way across the board.
How excited does that make you?
Speaker 4 (09:15):
I mean, it's it's really fun.
Speaker 2 (09:17):
You know, you never like during practice, you never know
what you There's so much things.
Speaker 4 (09:21):
I mean, we're running the ball. We can run the
ball really well.
Speaker 2 (09:24):
I mean our old line does a really good job
of running backs, like you said, I mean, they're unbelievable players.
Speaker 4 (09:28):
Like we got some studs in the running back room
and they would to open it up.
Speaker 2 (09:33):
Especially when you have such a strong run game, it
just opens up the pass game. And having speed all
over the field. I mean it could be it could
be really fun this year. And you know, obviously we
got to get better every single day of what we
needed to get better at.
Speaker 4 (09:46):
But I think we could have a really explicit offense.
Speaker 1 (09:49):
Now.
Speaker 5 (09:49):
Going on the other side of the football, what excites
you about defense?
Speaker 6 (09:51):
I know you've been going against the ones of course,
probably the twos and threes in practice, But what gets
you excited about that that that defense, that that's going
to take the field for the occasions this year.
Speaker 2 (10:00):
No, I mean I would say that I was rotating
with you know, all spring and all summer and all
fall camp, like just rotating all through different guys, you know,
getting with different O linemen, different receivers, different running backs,
and I was competing against all those guys, and that's
what makes you better competition. I think our defense is
I mean, our offense is really good, and I think
(10:21):
that we've and that and we struggle sometimes against our defense,
and I think that's what we're like our defense. We've
got some great players. Our d line looks good. They're fast,
they're strong, they're big. Or dB has been working their
tail off, having great receivers and making them work every
single day.
Speaker 4 (10:33):
It's going to push them and it's made these guys better.
Speaker 2 (10:36):
Like it's hard to complete some passes on our defense
now and running the game. I mean, we got some
guys want to hit you and it makes it fun
and you know, overall, I mean it's been just a
great fall camp, great summer, and you know, these guys
want to compete and.
Speaker 4 (10:49):
They're we're ready for our first game, Like we're ready,
We're ready to roll.
Speaker 2 (10:52):
Obviously we need to get better this week and get
get ready for a rice this week. But I mean
it's fun. We're ready to compete, and that's that's That's
all you can ask for is guys that are ready,
competing and ready. They just want to get better and
they want to be great.
Speaker 1 (11:04):
When you look at things from a personal goal standpoint
for yourself, obviously the first thing when starting quarterback job,
you have that checked off. What are some of the
other things that you have kind of laid out for
yourself that you want to accomplish From a personal standpoint
this season.
Speaker 2 (11:20):
I would say obviously getting that quarter quarterback ones fovel
is very important to me.
Speaker 3 (11:24):
You know, that's that's where everything starts.
Speaker 2 (11:26):
And I think win in that first game, you know,
I think that's such a big thing for me, is
because I'm getting back on the field. I gotta play
like like it's so exciting for me and we got,
like I've said, like long term goals. I think like
my overall goals is to be undefeated.
Speaker 4 (11:43):
I think I want I don't want to lose a game.
Speaker 2 (11:45):
It's like the same mindset. I don't think I could
ever lose the game. I'm ready for every game.
Speaker 1 (11:49):
I'm ready.
Speaker 4 (11:49):
I don't think anybody can beat me.
Speaker 2 (11:50):
I mean that's the mindset I have every single day.
No one can beat me. I gotta win this game.
We got to figure a way out. And I think
that's what our team's mindset is. And you know, go
on the feet, that'd be great.
Speaker 3 (12:02):
You know, we have a.
Speaker 2 (12:03):
Shot, absolutely, and I think that's that's what our goal
is overall, to.
Speaker 4 (12:08):
Get in the playoffs.
Speaker 2 (12:09):
I mean, it doesn't matter what how I mean, it's
a twelfth team playoff. Go compete that won the game
to all in.
Speaker 1 (12:17):
You know, we have a couple of fans submitted questions
for you. So, out of all the uniform combinations that
you guys have, what's your favorite one that you're most
excited to wear about.
Speaker 2 (12:28):
I think the all blacks are sweet. I think the
all Blacks an be sweet. And I'm fired up for that.
Speaker 3 (12:33):
You know.
Speaker 2 (12:34):
Obviously the receiver ring is gonna help me out to
tell me I need to get some more drips. So
I'm gonna listen to them for some somewhat some little
more slagged over my gear.
Speaker 3 (12:43):
And uh so, who's fun.
Speaker 1 (12:45):
Yeah you can put the put the one league sleeve
on one ur band and all this stuff like that. Yeah,
for sure.
Speaker 4 (12:50):
Yeah, try to try to put it on.
Speaker 1 (12:53):
When it comes to stats in records in high school,
who's the better quarterback? You're dad?
Speaker 7 (13:00):
You?
Speaker 3 (13:03):
Oh, I don't know. Too different, it's totally different offenses.
That's what he.
Speaker 2 (13:07):
Says to me. That's what his That's what is always
what he says to me. But you know, my dad
was umbling player. I mean, just to think that my
dad played college football and played for the Braids at the.
Speaker 3 (13:16):
Same time as I mean, my dad was an unblieble.
Speaker 2 (13:18):
Athlete, let's get there. And uh, I mean he's I mean,
it's pretty it's pretty big time. But he's still got
a he's got a cannon, and he's he says he
was faster than me.
Speaker 3 (13:28):
That's the only thing I don't think I agree with
him on.
Speaker 1 (13:33):
No, man, you got wheeled on you man, when you
pulled this zone read in the spring, you turned the corner.
So hold on now I see I see yeah, man,
I guess. Uh, what's what's your your favorite part about
being in LATIEA Like obviously it's the home thing, but
(13:54):
like when you look at the culture, the music, the food,
what's the main thing that you love so much about
being in the city.
Speaker 3 (14:00):
I'm a bit, I'm a I love seeing people.
Speaker 2 (14:03):
I love I love going out eat, I love socialized,
and I love seeing like my people.
Speaker 3 (14:08):
And uh, that's the biggest thing about being here is
like I've rat.
Speaker 2 (14:12):
I've been here my whole life, you know, and uh,
coming back home and seeing these people from that haven't
seen it in a couple of years is and reconnecting
with them is It's been great. And uh, like going
to mendez is like come and take those lineman, Like
I'm excited, Like they haven't no, no, I don't think
it even been to Mendez's.
Speaker 3 (14:28):
And I'm super excited to take them to dinner tonight.
Speaker 1 (14:31):
You know.
Speaker 2 (14:31):
Uh it's first time. During fall camp. I try to
do it during fall camp. They're like, no, schedule is terrible.
I don't want to I'm too tired. And I was like,
all right, well after fall camp. We finished up today
and I was like, well, I'm gonna take all at dinner.
So like little things like that and having the community
to help out is it's always amazing.
Speaker 1 (14:49):
I guess, away from football, what do you try to
do to to kind of relax and unplug and get
away from things.
Speaker 3 (14:56):
My schedule is so great right now.
Speaker 2 (14:57):
I mean I wake up, I usually go eat breakfast
every morning, and I kind of just get straight football
and when I go home get on. I played little
Fortnite honestly, just kind of you know, it's better than
doing anything going outside or going like you know, staying
out like late.
Speaker 3 (15:13):
It's better just watch a movie or play Fortnite and
go straight to bed.
Speaker 1 (15:17):
I like it. Man. My last question for you, Walker,
what message do you have for Cajun Nation as the
season is? I let me list than ten days away.
You guys open the season up in our lady at
Lord Stadium.
Speaker 3 (15:30):
Ready to roll. It's gonna be a great year. Ready
to compete, and let's go one of them all.
Speaker 5 (15:37):
And I got two questions for you. My first one
is from my life.
Speaker 6 (15:41):
Two kh Stadium just got rebuilt and you're gonna walk
into a brand new stadium. And you know from the
part that you were just saying that you didn't know
if he was gonna play football, but I guarantee it's
gonna be a lot of people in that city that's
represented you well, from your family to friends and everybody.
For Game one, What do you think your emotions are
going to be like when you first, Yes.
Speaker 2 (16:02):
Like, I mean it's been great so far. You know,
they've might have might have come to practices, come sneaks
in and it looks through a gay I mean, it's
good to just see him over there. But the stadium
is unbelievable. I mean it looks great. We've the community
has done a great job with that. You know, Ul's
done a great job with that. And I think I
think that's what you all needed. Like there's so much
(16:26):
the people want to go to games, people want to
like have nice things, like in having that stadium, we're
gonna have people go there. Like there's so much money
in laf Yet there is Lafy. It's a great place,
is a happy place people people want to be Like
people love laugh yet everyone does.
Speaker 3 (16:40):
Everyone loves Lafayette.
Speaker 2 (16:41):
There that lives here and you know, being able to
you know, hopefully have a great have a great season,
and have a great stadium.
Speaker 3 (16:47):
I mean, I mean, who who wouldn't want to come
down the road. I mean it's like it's like right
down the road. It's easy.
Speaker 6 (16:54):
My last question to you first four monsts, we want
to thank you for coming on the pot, but if
you couldrect commend to anybody that you know, occasion that
played on occasions play for the Tigers, play for Old
Miss or whoever that you could recommend to come to
the podcast next and whoever you say you got to
help us get them up here? Who would you say
it is?
Speaker 2 (17:15):
Oh, I say Shelton Samson. Then you should get shouting
on there. I think it's gonna have a great year,
and I think I hope you'll get that happen.
Speaker 1 (17:27):
Yeah, yeah, we can make it. We can make it happen, man,
we can make it happen. Well, Walker, We appreciate you, man,
go feed them Oldlignment. Appreciate you, man, and looking forward
to seeing you play this season. Brother.
Speaker 3 (17:39):
Hey, thank y'all so much. I really appreciate it.
Speaker 2 (17:41):
I'm sorry about all that a little bit the weather,
but uh, I was trying to get set up.
Speaker 3 (17:45):
Sorry about that, good man.
Speaker 1 (17:47):
Look, La is crazy. One minute the sun is out
in the storming. You never know where.
Speaker 3 (17:51):
There's no doubt. Well, I appreciate y'all.
Speaker 1 (17:54):
No doubt, ladies and gentlemen. That has been raging. Cajun's
quarterback Walker Howard, the Lafayette native, back here in his
hometown and as you saw, he was there at Mendez
is getting ready to feed his old lineman. So an
exciting time there in Lafayette as the Cage just prepared
to open up the season against the Rice Owls, a
(18:14):
team that they got to get some get back for
because they ended the streak the longest standing win streak
in the nation at the time. I was there in
Houston when that happened back in twenty twenty two three.
I've been here a little minute now for going on
five years. But I know it's gonna be excited there.
I know it's gonna be hype. So you get the
(18:35):
Neills man.
Speaker 5 (18:36):
No, man, I can't wait to see it.
Speaker 6 (18:37):
You know, her hometown kid coming home and trying to
keep that program and elevate it from what from where
they were last year there was on the doorstep up
a sun Belt championship, So bringing one home in that
new stadium, if they could host the game.
Speaker 1 (18:51):
Would be great.
Speaker 5 (18:52):
I'll be agreed. Uh, that'd be a great story for real.
So what's what happens with that?
Speaker 1 (18:59):
No doubt about it. Well, ladies and gentlemen, thank you
so much for tuning in to another episode of the
Fits Tape Podcast. If you are listening wherever you're listening at,
go ahead and smash that like button and also subscribe
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Tell a friend to tell a friend to subscribe to
(19:21):
the Fifth Tape Podcast. Sign it out for Elijah Nixon.
I'm JaMarcus Mitzpatrick. We'll see you guys. Nixon
What's good, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome into another episode
of the Fifth Tag Podcast. I'm your guy, JaMarcus Fitzpatrick,
but you know you can always call me fitz. That
man in boxes with me is my co host, Elijah Nixon. Guys,
if you are listening to this podcast, go ahead and
give us a like and subscribe to the podcast feed.
If you're watching us on YouTube for the first time,
hit the bell down below and subscribe, like the video
(00:22):
and also leave us a comment because that helps us
to continue to grow this channel. We've had a lot
of great interviews on the channel back and forth different
times and things like that. But we have yet another
great guest coming onto the show and he's a hometown kid.
He's a guy that's from the Latviat area. He's bounced around,
had a couple places that he's been at, but he
(00:43):
has come back home and he has recently just been
announced as the starting quarterback of the Louisiana Raging Cages
and he is ready to lead the way for his
hometown team. I'm talking about none other than mister Walker Howard,
former histm couger Man.
Speaker 2 (01:00):
How you doing, Walker doing great? Excited to be here
and really excited about the season.
Speaker 3 (01:05):
It's gonna be.
Speaker 2 (01:05):
I mean great news, you know, getting that quarterback for
one spot and you know the work just you know,
that was the first accomplishment, but now the work starts
now and you know it has nothing hasn't even started yet,
and get ready for the season.
Speaker 1 (01:20):
No doubt. Man. First of all, just walk us through
what the conversation was like with coach it is when
he told you that you were the starting quarterback, and
what those emotions were kind of like for you.
Speaker 3 (01:31):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:32):
Absolutely, I mean it was definitely emotional. Like I said
in our last interview, it was emotional. It's been a
long journey for me. You know, I've worked really hard
and you know, it's it's it's those things when you
have to keep pushing through things like when you feel
like you've you've done enough, you worked your your tail
fall season and you still haven't accomplished, like you still
haven't gotten to where you want to be, and you
(01:53):
get disappointing yourself and it's hard, and uh, you know,
getting through that and pushing out another year of pushing
through it and uh, you know, actually getting that spot.
Speaker 4 (02:02):
It's no better feelings.
Speaker 5 (02:04):
And speaking of that, different different destinations unless you old
miss it. Now you're back here, what can you say
you learned about yourself through every step of the way
until you get back on Yeah.
Speaker 2 (02:15):
Absolutely, I mean I would say, you know my journey,
I mean it's been the highs and lows, like I've
talked about before.
Speaker 4 (02:22):
And you know, I don't regret any decision I ever made.
Speaker 2 (02:25):
You know, that's who That's what's made me the person
I am today, and that's gonna be the person I'm
going to be in the future. And you know, I
think it's it's just maybe a better person and a
better football player and long run, and I'm excited.
Speaker 1 (02:41):
You had talked about in the media availability after you
were announced as QB one. You talked about Cayden pre scoring.
You talked about Jackson Dork kind of being the guys
that helped to push you, and you revealed to us
man that you you didn't even know if you were
going to play football this year at all, Like talk
about how instrumental those guys were in like helping you,
like being your guys say hey man, we know it's
(03:03):
hard right now, but just keep pushing. Let's let's get
through this.
Speaker 2 (03:07):
Yeah, And I think that goes back to like what
I said, It's like when I feel like I've given
my all to something and you fall in short something,
it's hard. It's hard to bounce backward, especially when you
feel like you did everything you could at a certain
point and you know you failed, and you know, you
start having doubt in yourself. You started thinking in the
back of the head, am I really Am I really
(03:28):
good enough to play?
Speaker 1 (03:29):
You know?
Speaker 4 (03:29):
I really good enough to do this? And you know
is this meant for me? And uh, you know, there's
those two guys really pushed me, and a bunch of
guys in my life they've really pushed me to be great.
And you know, I'm still thankful for those guys and
thank for the like my support system were making better
as a better person, a better football player, and believing
in myself again. And that's what Coach does, That's what
we talked about. He said, there's no reason you shouldn't
(03:50):
believe in yourself, you know, believing yourself. You're a great
football player. You're you're a great player. Believe in yourself
and and that's what I'm That's what I've started to do,
and I believe back to myself and you know, I'm
really enjoying were at and I'm happy where I am
right now.
Speaker 6 (04:05):
I'm happy you talked about coach Dance because I wanted to, Actually,
you are us with a b K.
Speaker 7 (04:10):
He was with.
Speaker 6 (04:12):
Lane Kiffin and now he was with You're with coach
des How how is his personality different from.
Speaker 5 (04:18):
The other two that that you've played with?
Speaker 4 (04:19):
Pleat under they're all great football, Thirk.
Speaker 7 (04:22):
You know, everyone's at there a different story, everyone's got
different things and puts Das got a early cool story
and you know, I was talking to him, I was like,
it's pretty crazy that you are.
Speaker 4 (04:30):
A head coach, like coming's been what you.
Speaker 7 (04:32):
Had to do, and uh like where you came from
and like going from high school coaching a little bit
at you all and then still get the head coach job,
Like that's awesome.
Speaker 4 (04:41):
And you know they all.
Speaker 7 (04:43):
They all are great at different things. And you know,
Chus says does a great job. You know, the team
loves him. Everyone loves him. He does a great job.
You know, he's got a great he's got a great,
great team and a great uh coach of staff with him.
Speaker 1 (04:55):
You talked about earlier man of just you know, being
in a position where you feel like you put in
so much work and you're not able to you know,
accomplish it. Talk about the some kind of pressures that
could have you know, weigh on your shoulders coming out
of high school number three duel with Thrugh quarterback, all
these different accolades and things, and those things don't come
(05:16):
through fruishing for you. Talk about how that was able
to make you kind of what you are now to
be in this position as the quarterback you are.
Speaker 8 (05:25):
Yeah, I mean, like I said, I think all those
challenges that I've been through in the past, and just
keep pushing forward, to keep pushing through everything I've been through.
Speaker 1 (05:34):
And you know that's what that's what's so great about
this sport.
Speaker 4 (05:38):
You know, it's the highs and lowers.
Speaker 7 (05:40):
You know, there's a there's no better feeling being going
through the highs in the sport, and there's no worse
feeling and going through the lowers in the field.
Speaker 5 (05:47):
Now, man who's talking to uh to skip Tye skipper.
Speaker 6 (05:51):
And he was saying you could slinker and Uh, this
offense we all know is a three back offense to
everybody can run the ball, but I know, we probably
figure that you're gonna be taking your shots here and
there down the field. And now, how do you feel
like your game is gonna work in this offense?
Speaker 4 (06:06):
You know absolutely?
Speaker 8 (06:06):
I mean I'm definitely gonna bring my tools in the game,
and I'm gonna obviously bring what this offense wants to do.
Speaker 4 (06:12):
You know, we have a really good running we have
really good running.
Speaker 2 (06:14):
Backs, we have really good old lineman, and you know,
I'm gonna bring my little pieces and that I can
bring to the table and try to help with the offense.
Speaker 4 (06:22):
But you know, we have a great team.
Speaker 2 (06:25):
We've got a great We've got great players, and you
know it's gonna make it easier on me.
Speaker 1 (06:28):
We talked about this, me and you on report day
before fall camp. Obviously you came in, you know, during
the spring window, and you going through spring football. Now
that you've been named the starting quarterback, now that you're
going through most of fall camp seasons about to come up,
how have you shifted in kind of being the new
guy to now being the guy that's a leader on
(06:50):
the team.
Speaker 4 (06:52):
Absolutely.
Speaker 2 (06:52):
I think you gotta like right when you come in,
you have the town to take a step back, you know,
you don't want to be. You gotta figure out what
the team is, what the culture is, and you can't
just come in and you know things are run.
Speaker 4 (07:03):
You know they they've been successful in the past.
Speaker 2 (07:05):
You know they're they're a really good football team last year,
you know, and that's.
Speaker 4 (07:09):
What I wanted to see.
Speaker 2 (07:10):
What this team captains and what this the leaderships wanted
to do with this team. And now I had to
take a step back, you know, kind of just watch
and work my tail off and prove to those guys
that I can be their guy and will be their
guy one day. And you know that's now getting to
that role now, it's stepping up and being a bigger
vocal leader and a late leader all over the field.
And and that's that's what kind of my role has
(07:32):
got to be coming up now.
Speaker 4 (07:33):
It's kind of pushing these guys more and more.
Speaker 3 (07:35):
Now.
Speaker 6 (07:36):
That is what was more so about the team besides
the quarterback. And you probably might say the office a
live in room because you know they got to protect you,
but that's cheating. Well, what is the most fun group
that you've been around in the room? Position groups?
Speaker 2 (07:51):
Honestly, I would say the best, The biggest thing was
obviously the lie. You know, a lot of these guys
have been playing, honestly, like they've they've they've had a
lot of the biggest development I think was been with
the receivers.
Speaker 4 (08:04):
It's been fun with the receivers. You know, a lot
of these guys haven't played.
Speaker 2 (08:06):
A lot of these guys have done such a great
job of just improving every single day, Like they were
begging me to go get some work in.
Speaker 4 (08:13):
That's such a great feeling as a quarterback.
Speaker 2 (08:14):
You know when you're not when you have to text
guys and try to drag them out. But I mean,
those guys were willing to work every single day. They
wanted to get better. They asked me, they pushed, they
wanted my opinion, they wanted like they wanted feedback. And
those receivers they've they've were really fun this year. You know,
these running backs, you know, they've they've proven themselves. They
they're great players. These receiver rooms they want they want
to prove themselves. And same thing with the titan rooms.
(08:38):
They're they're like, they're great players. You know, they they've
waited their time and they're ready to roll, just like me.
Speaker 4 (08:44):
I mean, the same situation.
Speaker 1 (08:46):
You talked about those receivers, man coach Le when we
had talked to him or reported that, he mentioned just
how fast everyone is in their receiver room, that there's
no such thing as let's put a speeester out there,
give it to them on a jet sweep, like anybody
can take the time top off if you have guys
out there. How exciting does that make you as a quarterback?
Knowing man, if I go on a nine route, you
(09:07):
know I can do it in the slot, can do
it on the outside, tight end, any way across the board.
How excited does that make you?
Speaker 4 (09:15):
I mean, it's it's really fun.
Speaker 2 (09:17):
You know, you never like during practice, you never know
what you There's so much things.
Speaker 4 (09:21):
I mean, we're running the ball. We can run the
ball really well.
Speaker 2 (09:24):
I mean our old line does a really good job
of running backs, like you said, I mean, they're unbelievable players.
Speaker 4 (09:28):
Like we got some studs in the running back room
and they would to open it up.
Speaker 2 (09:33):
Especially when you have such a strong run game, it
just opens up the pass game. And having speed all
over the field. I mean it could be it could
be really fun this year. And you know, obviously we
got to get better every single day of what we
needed to get better at.
Speaker 4 (09:46):
But I think we could have a really explicit offense.
Speaker 1 (09:49):
Now.
Speaker 5 (09:49):
Going on the other side of the football, what excites
you about defense?
Speaker 6 (09:51):
I know you've been going against the ones of course,
probably the twos and threes in practice, But what gets
you excited about that that that defense, that that's going
to take the field for the occasions this year.
Speaker 2 (10:00):
No, I mean I would say that I was rotating
with you know, all spring and all summer and all
fall camp, like just rotating all through different guys, you know,
getting with different O linemen, different receivers, different running backs,
and I was competing against all those guys, and that's
what makes you better competition. I think our defense is
I mean, our offense is really good, and I think
(10:21):
that we've and that and we struggle sometimes against our defense,
and I think that's what we're like our defense. We've
got some great players. Our d line looks good. They're fast,
they're strong, they're big. Or dB has been working their
tail off, having great receivers and making them work every
single day.
Speaker 4 (10:33):
It's going to push them and it's made these guys better.
Speaker 2 (10:36):
Like it's hard to complete some passes on our defense
now and running the game. I mean, we got some
guys want to hit you and it makes it fun
and you know, overall, I mean it's been just a
great fall camp, great summer, and you know, these guys
want to compete and.
Speaker 4 (10:49):
They're we're ready for our first game, Like we're ready,
We're ready to roll.
Speaker 2 (10:52):
Obviously we need to get better this week and get
get ready for a rice this week. But I mean
it's fun. We're ready to compete, and that's that's That's
all you can ask for is guys that are ready,
competing and ready. They just want to get better and
they want to be great.
Speaker 1 (11:04):
When you look at things from a personal goal standpoint
for yourself, obviously the first thing when starting quarterback job,
you have that checked off. What are some of the
other things that you have kind of laid out for
yourself that you want to accomplish From a personal standpoint
this season.
Speaker 2 (11:20):
I would say obviously getting that quarter quarterback ones fovel
is very important to me.
Speaker 3 (11:24):
You know, that's that's where everything starts.
Speaker 2 (11:26):
And I think win in that first game, you know,
I think that's such a big thing for me, is
because I'm getting back on the field. I gotta play
like like it's so exciting for me and we got,
like I've said, like long term goals. I think like
my overall goals is to be undefeated.
Speaker 4 (11:43):
I think I want I don't want to lose a game.
Speaker 2 (11:45):
It's like the same mindset. I don't think I could
ever lose the game. I'm ready for every game.
Speaker 1 (11:49):
I'm ready.
Speaker 4 (11:49):
I don't think anybody can beat me.
Speaker 2 (11:50):
I mean that's the mindset I have every single day.
No one can beat me. I gotta win this game.
We got to figure a way out. And I think
that's what our team's mindset is. And you know, go
on the feet, that'd be great.
Speaker 3 (12:02):
You know, we have a.
Speaker 2 (12:03):
Shot, absolutely, and I think that's that's what our goal
is overall, to.
Speaker 4 (12:08):
Get in the playoffs.
Speaker 2 (12:09):
I mean, it doesn't matter what how I mean, it's
a twelfth team playoff. Go compete that won the game
to all in.
Speaker 1 (12:17):
You know, we have a couple of fans submitted questions
for you. So, out of all the uniform combinations that
you guys have, what's your favorite one that you're most
excited to wear about.
Speaker 2 (12:28):
I think the all blacks are sweet. I think the
all Blacks an be sweet. And I'm fired up for that.
Speaker 3 (12:33):
You know.
Speaker 2 (12:34):
Obviously the receiver ring is gonna help me out to
tell me I need to get some more drips. So
I'm gonna listen to them for some somewhat some little
more slagged over my gear.
Speaker 3 (12:43):
And uh so, who's fun.
Speaker 1 (12:45):
Yeah you can put the put the one league sleeve
on one ur band and all this stuff like that. Yeah,
for sure.
Speaker 4 (12:50):
Yeah, try to try to put it on.
Speaker 1 (12:53):
When it comes to stats in records in high school,
who's the better quarterback? You're dad?
Speaker 7 (13:00):
You?
Speaker 3 (13:03):
Oh, I don't know. Too different, it's totally different offenses.
That's what he.
Speaker 2 (13:07):
Says to me. That's what his That's what is always
what he says to me. But you know, my dad
was umbling player. I mean, just to think that my
dad played college football and played for the Braids at the.
Speaker 3 (13:16):
Same time as I mean, my dad was an unblieble.
Speaker 2 (13:18):
Athlete, let's get there. And uh, I mean he's I mean,
it's pretty it's pretty big time. But he's still got
a he's got a cannon, and he's he says he
was faster than me.
Speaker 3 (13:28):
That's the only thing I don't think I agree with
him on.
Speaker 1 (13:33):
No, man, you got wheeled on you man, when you
pulled this zone read in the spring, you turned the corner.
So hold on now I see I see yeah, man,
I guess. Uh, what's what's your your favorite part about
being in LATIEA Like obviously it's the home thing, but
(13:54):
like when you look at the culture, the music, the food,
what's the main thing that you love so much about
being in the city.
Speaker 3 (14:00):
I'm a bit, I'm a I love seeing people.
Speaker 2 (14:03):
I love I love going out eat, I love socialized,
and I love seeing like my people.
Speaker 3 (14:08):
And uh, that's the biggest thing about being here is
like I've rat.
Speaker 2 (14:12):
I've been here my whole life, you know, and uh,
coming back home and seeing these people from that haven't
seen it in a couple of years is and reconnecting
with them is It's been great. And uh, like going
to mendez is like come and take those lineman, Like
I'm excited, Like they haven't no, no, I don't think
it even been to Mendez's.
Speaker 3 (14:28):
And I'm super excited to take them to dinner tonight.
Speaker 1 (14:31):
You know.
Speaker 2 (14:31):
Uh it's first time. During fall camp. I try to
do it during fall camp. They're like, no, schedule is terrible.
I don't want to I'm too tired. And I was like,
all right, well after fall camp. We finished up today
and I was like, well, I'm gonna take all at dinner.
So like little things like that and having the community
to help out is it's always amazing.
Speaker 1 (14:49):
I guess, away from football, what do you try to
do to to kind of relax and unplug and get
away from things.
Speaker 3 (14:56):
My schedule is so great right now.
Speaker 2 (14:57):
I mean I wake up, I usually go eat breakfast
every morning, and I kind of just get straight football
and when I go home get on. I played little
Fortnite honestly, just kind of you know, it's better than
doing anything going outside or going like you know, staying
out like late.
Speaker 3 (15:13):
It's better just watch a movie or play Fortnite and
go straight to bed.
Speaker 1 (15:17):
I like it. Man. My last question for you, Walker,
what message do you have for Cajun Nation as the
season is? I let me list than ten days away.
You guys open the season up in our lady at
Lord Stadium.
Speaker 3 (15:30):
Ready to roll. It's gonna be a great year. Ready
to compete, and let's go one of them all.
Speaker 5 (15:37):
And I got two questions for you. My first one
is from my life.
Speaker 6 (15:41):
Two kh Stadium just got rebuilt and you're gonna walk
into a brand new stadium. And you know from the
part that you were just saying that you didn't know
if he was gonna play football, but I guarantee it's
gonna be a lot of people in that city that's
represented you well, from your family to friends and everybody.
For Game one, What do you think your emotions are
going to be like when you first, Yes.
Speaker 2 (16:02):
Like, I mean it's been great so far. You know,
they've might have might have come to practices, come sneaks
in and it looks through a gay I mean, it's
good to just see him over there. But the stadium
is unbelievable. I mean it looks great. We've the community
has done a great job with that. You know, Ul's
done a great job with that. And I think I
think that's what you all needed. Like there's so much
(16:26):
the people want to go to games, people want to
like have nice things, like in having that stadium, we're
gonna have people go there. Like there's so much money
in laf Yet there is Lafy. It's a great place,
is a happy place people people want to be Like
people love laugh yet everyone does.
Speaker 3 (16:40):
Everyone loves Lafayette.
Speaker 2 (16:41):
There that lives here and you know, being able to
you know, hopefully have a great have a great season,
and have a great stadium.
Speaker 3 (16:47):
I mean, I mean, who who wouldn't want to come
down the road. I mean it's like it's like right
down the road. It's easy.
Speaker 6 (16:54):
My last question to you first four monsts, we want
to thank you for coming on the pot, but if
you couldrect commend to anybody that you know, occasion that
played on occasions play for the Tigers, play for Old
Miss or whoever that you could recommend to come to
the podcast next and whoever you say you got to
help us get them up here? Who would you say
it is?
Speaker 2 (17:15):
Oh, I say Shelton Samson. Then you should get shouting
on there. I think it's gonna have a great year,
and I think I hope you'll get that happen.
Speaker 1 (17:27):
Yeah, yeah, we can make it. We can make it happen, man,
we can make it happen. Well, Walker, We appreciate you, man,
go feed them Oldlignment. Appreciate you, man, and looking forward
to seeing you play this season. Brother.
Speaker 3 (17:39):
Hey, thank y'all so much. I really appreciate it.
Speaker 2 (17:41):
I'm sorry about all that a little bit the weather,
but uh, I was trying to get set up.
Speaker 3 (17:45):
Sorry about that, good man.
Speaker 1 (17:47):
Look, La is crazy. One minute the sun is out
in the storming. You never know where.
Speaker 3 (17:51):
There's no doubt. Well, I appreciate y'all.
Speaker 1 (17:54):
No doubt, ladies and gentlemen. That has been raging. Cajun's
quarterback Walker Howard, the Lafayette native, back here in his
hometown and as you saw, he was there at Mendez
is getting ready to feed his old lineman. So an
exciting time there in Lafayette as the Cage just prepared
to open up the season against the Rice Owls, a
(18:14):
team that they got to get some get back for
because they ended the streak the longest standing win streak
in the nation at the time. I was there in
Houston when that happened back in twenty twenty two three.
I've been here a little minute now for going on
five years. But I know it's gonna be excited there.
I know it's gonna be hype. So you get the
(18:35):
Neills man.
Speaker 5 (18:36):
No, man, I can't wait to see it.
Speaker 6 (18:37):
You know, her hometown kid coming home and trying to
keep that program and elevate it from what from where
they were last year there was on the doorstep up
a sun Belt championship, So bringing one home in that
new stadium, if they could host the game.
Speaker 1 (18:51):
Would be great.
Speaker 5 (18:52):
I'll be agreed. Uh, that'd be a great story for real.
So what's what happens with that?
Speaker 1 (18:59):
No doubt about it. Well, ladies and gentlemen, thank you
so much for tuning in to another episode of the
Fits Tape Podcast. If you are listening wherever you're listening at,
go ahead and smash that like button and also subscribe
to the podcast feed. If you're watching us on YouTube,
hit the bell down below subscribe to the channel. Leave
a comment so we can be able to continue to grow.
Tell a friend to tell a friend to subscribe to
(19:21):
the Fifth Tape Podcast. Sign it out for Elijah Nixon.
I'm JaMarcus Mitzpatrick. We'll see you guys. Nixon
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