THOMASTON — Competition is a driving force for Upson-Lee's senior defensive tackle Travon Walker.
"I’m a competitive person, it’s really no change," Walker said. "[If] it’s a competition, I’m going against you while you’re trying to beat me out. Biggest person is going to win."
The drive compliments Walker's 6'5", 263-pound frame. The senior is committed to the University of Georgia to play under head coach Kirby Smart, but for now is focused on excelling in two sports -- football and basketball.
"I’d say football is more of a grind for me just for the physical aspect. Basketball comes easy," Walker said. "I know people are out to get me in football, so I know I have to grind harder."
Walker is a two-time state champion and all-state honoree in basketball. He's a five-star recruit and the number two defensive tackle in the class of 2019. Head coach Justin Elder fully recognizes the talent he has on the field.
"I could coach another 20 years and won’t get a five star to come through. I think he’s handled it really well," Elder said.
Walker said there was a possibility to graduate early and enroll in Athens in the spring, but he chose to hang around another year to try and earn honors status as well as play one more year of basketball with the teammates he's known since grade school.
"You can’t get high school back, you can’t get any high school sport back," Walker said. "The tradition growing up here. The same people that have been here ever since elementary school growing up with them. It's just having that bond with them."
But for now, he'll settle for continued dominance on the football field. Coach Elder moved him from tackle to linebacker, where he said Walker has more freedom.
"The thing about having him down is that most people would just run away," Elder said. "He’s already had more stats this year than he had last year."
Upson-Lee plays Howard in Macon on Friday at 7:30 p.m.