Naples High football alumnus starts training camp with Jacksonville Jaguars

We traveled to Jacksonville to watch a local football star from Collier County hit the gridiron with athletes competing for major roles with a professional organization.

Former Naples High School alumnus Michael Walker enjoyed the first NFL training camp practice of his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars Thursday.

“There’s probably some guys that we should pay to coach not get paid to coach, and Mike’s one of those guys,” said Bill Kramer, Walker’s former high school coach who spoke to us last week.

Now, someone is paying Walker. And he gets to train just six hours away from home.

“I actually grew up a Patriots fan,” Walker said. “My dad is from the northeast, so we were raised as Patriots fans and Red Sox fans.”

But Walker confirmed everyone has transitioned to being Jags fans.

“Yes, sir,” Walker said. “Of course.”

Walker signed as an undrafted free agent months ago, so no one expected him to be taking snaps with Super Bowl champion Nick Foles’ first unit.

“Definitely got to prove myself out here every day,” Walker said. “Being an undrafted guy, you’ve got to impress the coach any way you can.”

But Walker was a Swiss Army knife for Kramer at Naples.

“Mike really was a [defensive back] by trade,” Kramer said. “And we moved him to the offense because of necessity. We needed a guy who could stretch them vertically, and then out of necessity he got under center to play quarterback. His senior year, he was a returner.”

Walker will have plenty of opportunities to be part of the Jags’ plan for the upcoming season.

“Pretty much all rookies, they talk to them the same,” Walker said. “Just work and get noticed, so I’ve got punt return, kickoff return. Got to get on all special teams, so that’s my way in.”

The Jaguars’ first preseason game is Thursday, August 8 in Baltimore against the Ravens.

“Everyone has got a different path,” Walker said. “And this is my path, and I’ve just got to make the most of it.”

MORE: Former Naples football player gears up for Jacksonville Jaguars camp