Walton shocked, but still solid
Less than two weeks after making his commitment to Illinois, Detroit Cass Tech linebacker Tim Walton watched the University dismiss the head coach.
"When it happened it was really a shock because it was days before the season started," Walton said. "I was sad to hear that and I feel bad for his family. At the same time, I am anxious to see who is going to be the next head coach. Whoever it is going to be, I am eager to meet him and get to know him.
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"For now, I am still committed to Illinois. Nothing has changed with that. I am just trying to focus on taking my team to (the state championship)."
Walton's primary recruiters at Illinois have been assistant coaches Tim Banks and Mike Ward. He has a call set up with them and interim head coach Bill Cubit for Tuesday evening.
"One of my questions was, if a new head coach does come in, what's going to happen?" Walton said. "Is the linebackers coach going to be the same? Is the d-coordinator going to be the same? Am I still going to be able to play for the University of Illinois? Those are really the big questions."
Walton has been talking with his fellow Illinois commits over the last few days. He has not been contacted by other schools in the wake of Tim Beckman's dismissal. At this time, his status with the Illini has not changed and he plans to make several game visits to Champaign this fall.
Cass Tech opened their 2015 season with a 28-0 victory over Southfield on Saturday. The 6-foot-2, 224-pound Walton tallied seven solo tackles, three assists and a fumble recovery in the win.