FARMINGTON, Utah – Fourth-year linebacker Tre Walker has been named the Big Sky Conference Preseason Defensive Most Valuable Player, as voted on by the league coaches and the media.
 
"I want to thank everybody," said Walker. "Everybody. The entire University of Idaho staff, my family, friends, coaches, mentors, everybody. Thank you everybody for that commitment you have to me and that belief you have in my dreams."
 
 
Walker led the Big Sky during the shortened spring season with 13.5 tackles per game. He was an All-America First Team selection by the Associate Press, Stats Perform, Hero Sports and Phil Steele FCS. Walker earned a second team nod from the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA). He was also a unanimous First Team All-Big Sky selection.
 
The award was announced at the annual Big Sky Conference Football Kickoff in Spokane. There, with all 13 teams represented by student-athletes, coaches and administrators, Walker spoke about his expectations for the upcoming season.
 
"I just want to be able to contribute as much as possible," Walker said. "Me and a few of the guys definitely made this upcoming season a little more personal and I can't wait to play and compete against you guys and go in every game with that mindset of winning."
 
Walker was also asked what it means to be a Vandal.
 
"Everything. That Vandal community, that Vandal pride is strong. It's something that will be with me for the rest of my life."
 
Walker was also a Second Team All-Big selection following his sophomore season in 2019. Through three seasons, including the shortened spring season, Walker has 233 total tackles and sits just outside the top-20 in program history.
 
Recently, Walker was named the top returning linebacker in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) by Hero Sports. He was also chosen as a Preseason All-America selection by Athlon Sports.

Season tickets to the upcoming 2021 season are available now at GoVandals.com/Tickets or by calling the Vandal Ticket Office at 208-885-6466.
 
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