Wilson was influenced by Walker
By GUERIN EMIG World Sports Writer
7/1/2006
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NORMAN -- Shockwaves from the death of Northwestern football coach Randy Walker have hit Oklahoma.
"I'm doing what I do because of Coach Walker," said OU offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson, who served with Walker on staffs at Northwestern, Miami (Ohio) and North Carolina for 15 years prior to joining the Sooners in 2001 and who played under Walker as a Tar Heel offensive lineman from 1980-83.
"I am who I am, to a large extent, because of Coach Walker. He was one of the biggest influences on my life."
Out of that respect, Wilson refused to comment when asked about the possibility he'd make a logical successor to Walker, who died Thursday of an apparent heart attack. Wilson kept his comments personal when reached Friday.
"For the better part of 20 years, I probably spent as much time with him as I had with my parents," Wilson said. "From my values to what I believe in, what to do and not to do . . . That was all influenced through him."
Wilson, who said he last spoke with Walker June 22, has been on the phone constantly since hearing the news just before midnight Thursday. For Walker's extended family, reaching as far south as Norman, it is a difficult, reflective time.
"He's as quality a person, with high
character and moral fiber, as I've ever known," Wilson said. "His integrity and values were impeccable. And I'll tell you, he never got his due as a coach.
"I promise there's a little Randy Walker here in Oklahoma football."
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Guerin Emig 581-8355
[email protected].