Walker returning to FSU for senior season

Florida State will have its top pass-rusher back when the 2016 season kicks off next September. Defensive end Demarcus Walker announced on Friday that he would be returning for his senior season.

“After talking with my family and Coach [Jimbo] Fisher, I have decided to return to Florida State for my senior year,” Walker said in a release from the school. “I made great strides during my junior season, and I hope to carry that on to my senior year. I want to end my career here like I started it in 2013, and with the team we having returning I feel we have the opportunity to have a really special season. I look forward to providing leadership to help this team continue to grow and succeed.”

Walker finished his junior season with single-season career highs for tackles (58), TFLs (15.5), pass break-ups (5), forced fumbles (4) and sacks (10.5). He registered his first career interception at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.

“I’m very excited that DeMarcus is going to return for his senior season,” Fisher said. “This is a great decision for DeMarcus because as he continues to develop, he can become one of the best players in college football. He had an outstanding season for us this past year and is a tremendous leader. We are thrilled that he is returning to Florida State.”

Walker’s return means three-fourths of the Seminoles’ starting defense line will return in-tact. He will join full-time starters Derrick Nnadi and fellow defensive end Josh Sweat. Rising sophomore Demarcus Christmas, who received plenty of playing time off the bench this past season, is the frontrunner to take over for Nile Lawrence-Stample at defensive tackle.

Defensive back Jalen Ramsey and placekicker Roberto Aguayo announced earlier this week that they were declaring for the NFL draft.