Ole Miss linebacker signee Bryson Walters named Mississippi Class 4A Defensive Player of Year: ‘I am honored to represent 4A as the Defensive POY’
OXFORD, Miss. — After facing a mountain of adversity, Ole Miss class of 2025 signee Bryson Walters has been named Mississippi’s 4A Defensive Player of the Year for his record-breaking performance at linebacker for Itawamba Agricultural High School.
Congrats to @BrysonCWalters for being name the ALL-STATE 4A Defensive Player of the Year. We are so proud of the way you have lead and repped the program in your time as an Indian. #ITABoy #built-different pic.twitter.com/7NClVD5NL9
— IAHS_FB (@IAHS_FB) December 7, 2024
Walters embodies not just the passion of the game of football, but also the strong roots of a Mississippi upbringing. When you take a look at his career thus far, there’s no question regarding the heart and grit he brings to the table, not just as a top linebacker but also as a teammate.
An athlete always hopes the last ride of his high school career will go smoothly and that the transition to college, for those lucky enough to go to the next level, will be an uneventful one.
But in Walters’ case that wasn’t exactly what happened.
His senior season was cut short due to injury, as he suffered a torn ACL in the October 25 game against Shannon. but even in his earlier-than-expected departure he left a lasting legacy as an elite player for the Itawamba Indians. He set program records and racked up plenty of accolades.
Before his injury, the 6-2, 220-pound Walters was leading the state in tackles. He finished his career at Itawamba as the school’s all-time leading tackler. Throughout his 45-game career, Walters notched 491 tackles, 277 solo and 214 assists. He averaged 10.9 tackles per game and also tallied 55 tackles-for-loss, nine sacks, 51 QB hurries, five interceptions, 13 forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries and two touchdowns.
Fast forward after surgery and a now-rehabbing Walters continues to push through to focus on getting stronger as he officially prepares for his next chapter as a Rebel.
3 weeks sense surgery. This was the first time getting the petal all the way around. Coming back stronger … bet on it! #BuiltDifferent @OleMissFB @CoachGolding @coachkitchens42 @Lane_Kiffin pic.twitter.com/LWbhSnB3g7
— Bryson Walters (@BrysonCWalters) December 3, 2024
Walters signed with Ole Miss on the first day of the early signing period, this past Wednesday.
It’s #OFFICAL!!! ✍🏼#HottyToddy #HOME @CoachGolding @OleMissFB @Lane_Kiffin @coachkitchens42 @IAHS_FB @chriswalters10 @MamaJAWalters pic.twitter.com/IwlDMRFtez
— Bryson Walters (@BrysonCWalters) December 4, 2024
He deserves it! He put the hard work into becoming the player he is today! We love you bubby, and are always proud of you🖤💛➡️🩵❤️ @BrysonCWalters @chriswalters10 https://t.co/O3IKYH7vsl
— Jamie Allison Walters (@MamaJAWalters) December 7, 2024
We caught up with Walters following this announcement so he could share his thoughts on what it means to him to receive this award.
“I am honored to represent 4A as the Defensive POY in this state. There are a lot of good players out there and to be picked as the best on the defensive side is very humbling. Feels good that the coaches felt that strongly about me even after getting hurt. I am blessed.”
Bryson Walters
Walters is living proof that talent, heart and grit can overcome adversity any day of the week.
Congrats, Bryson!
Lee Ann Herring-Olvedo
Lee Ann is the Director of Recruiting for The Rebel Walk. She is a veteran SEC sports journalist and NFL content writer. She is also the Sr. Editor for MESPORTS digital. Herring-Olvedo is a Brown University graduate who loves good cigars, good games, and a smooth glass of bourbon — not necessarily in that order.
