J.W. Walsh: A Cowboy Through and Through

STILLWATER – You don't have to look hard to find a huge fan of J.W. Walsh.

From coaches to fans to teammates, the senior quarterback is respected and admired by nearly everyone who interacts with him.

Part of that is due to his status as a quarterback in major college football, but most of it has to do with who he is as a person.

"He's a very selfless individual," offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich said. "Brings it every day. Wants to compete. He's great in meeting rooms, very smart player, understands the X's and O's very well. Boy, we're very fortunate to have him as part of our football program."

Walsh, originally from Denton, Texas, is often described as the hardest working player on the Cowboy football team, a title he has definitely earned as he is known for finishing every drill and sprint first. He leads by example and others happily follow him.

"I'd do anything for this team," Walsh said. "You have to work really hard to help your team succeed, and that's what I'm going to do to the best of my ability. That's one thing about being a leader. You don't always have to say the right things or even say anything at all. If you're working hard and busting your tail, then you're not only maximizing your ability but you're also maximizing your team. That's my No. 1 goal is for this team to succeed."

That hard work paid off for him last season, as he won a quarterback battle and was slated to lead the Cowboys throughout the 2014 season. In a widely anticipated season opener against the defending national champions, Walsh nearly led the Cowboys to an upset of the Florida State Seminoles in Dallas.

With his well-known athleticism and a game under his belt showing he was an effective signal caller, Walsh was primed for a big year. In the second game of the season, however, Walsh suffered a season-ending leg injury that derailed his on-the-field plans.

"You have these big expectations, you just played a great game," Walsh said. "Just having it pulled right out from underneath you, it was hard."

As much as it hurt to have to watch the rest of the season on the sidelines, Walsh didn't let circumstances change his character or who he was off the field.

He worked hard where he was physically able and maintained his leadership role in the locker room through mentoring and encouraging the younger quarterbacks, as well as the rest of the team.

"He's kind of like an older brother I'd say," sophomore quarterback Mason Rudolph said. "J.W. is one of the best people I've ever met in my life. He's been a tremendous help."

Walsh carried that role into the off-season and into fall camp, recognizing the importance of his leadership on the team, even with Rudolph taking over the starting role heading into the 2015 season.

"My favorite part of being a quarterback is that leadership role," Walsh said. "The other guys always have their eyes on you, and they're counting on you to put them in the right position to succeed. That's kind of been a role that I've always been in."

He takes that role seriously in every circumstance and continues to train as hard as he ever has.

"You just go in and you treat every situation like you're the starter because you never know what's going to happen," Walsh said. "The past couple years, there's been all kinds of crazy things. You've got to be ready for whatever happens."

Coach Mike Gundy has noticed it too, and isn't surprised in the least.

"He's had a really good camp," Gundy said. "He's throwing the ball exceptionally well. Obviously, he understands our offense. His leadership has always been tremendous, and he's very mobile. He's been a good player for our football team."

As great of reputation Walsh has, he gives the credit for it to his parents, saying they are his biggest supporters and they always do everything they can for him. Walsh also credits part of who he is and his loyalty to the OSU program to coaches Gundy and Yurcich.

"With both the coaches, you can really tell that they love their guys," Walsh said. "Coach Gundy always has his door open if you need anything. He's very personable, and he's a great resource to have as far as anything going on in your life. It's the same with Coach Yurcich. We can call him up anytime if we need to. They really care about us. We're not just football players to them. We're young men that they are trying to grow into successful people throughout life."

In addition to the appreciation he gives to his family, coaches and teammates, Oklahoma State fans have a special place in Walsh's heart, acknowledging that their support has been critical for him.

"It means everything," Walsh said. "To be able to come to a place like this and have the support that I've received is unbelievable. I would have never thought that I would have that. The fans give me so much support and I feel like I could never give enough back to them. It's been amazing. I'm very thankful to the fans."

The Oklahoma State family has meant so much to him, don't be surprised if he stays a part of it for years to come.

"My dream job would be to be a coach here," Walsh said. "That's the plan. I'm going to do whatever I can to become a coach and stay a Cowboy for as long as possible."

Walsh embodies what it means to be an OSU Cowboy, and everyone involved with the program is more than happy he is one.

No matter where he goes and what he does for a living, Walsh knows OSU is special, and OSU knows that Walsh is too.

"This place is like home," Walsh said. "I feel extremely comfortable here and it's because the community has been very loyal to me, the team, coaches and everyone who is involved. It's very special to me. There's no place I would rather be than here. All the people involved with OSU have made this past four or five years special. I think that's what being a Cowboy through and through really means."

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