Walton was actually pretty slow-footed for a defensive back, but was one of the best at anticipation and reaction, not to mention, his being one of the best at reading receivers before and during their routes.
I'm not exaggerating when I say that if he were able to run a 4.50, he would have been a perennial Pro Bowler in the pros.
I don't think I've seen anyone better at squatting and blowing up many a short to medium range passing lane. The man's football IQ was at the top of the charts.
His biggest weakness was the lack of footspeed, and that a speedy receiver who could cut hard could run past him after 15 yards. Still, when you had Glenn Earl and Gerome Sapp at the safety position, that was a nice safety net to have, and his below average speed wasn't an issue in the college game, except against USC.
I was a bit surprised that he had finally gotten into coaching just a few years ago. With his smarts, he could have easily risen through the ranks.