If Adam Walker felt like he was the focal point of opposing offenses last year, the soon-to-be St. Edmond senior is in for even more next fall.

The Iowa Print Sports Writers Association named Walker to the eight-player first team for his efforts this past year. He was one of eight underclassmen named.

Walker is the first Gael to receive all-state honors since 2020 when Parker Oswald made the second and Brock Stanek the third. He is the first to be named on the defensive side of the ball since Jack Rasmussen in 2017.

“It’s a big honor to receive this kind of reward and I am thankful all my hard work on and off the field has paid off,” Walker said. “I would say the thing that has shaped me into the player I am is all the people that support me through whatever I do like my mom, my brother, family, teammates and coaches.”

The 6-foot-1, 225-pound Walker finished with 46.5 tackles including 31 solo stops, 23.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Over his three-year career, he has recorded 81.5 tackles with 31.5 for loss and 7.5 sacks.

“It motivates me a lot,” Walker said of entering his senior season. “I am hoping to achieve this accomplishment once again next year.”

Walker was tied for 13th in the state in tackles for loss and finished sixth in eight-player. He also helped the Gael offense record over 3,400 yards and 47 touchdowns as a member of the offensive line.

“Adam has incredible skills for someone his size,” SEHS head coach Matt Dillon said. “He had an incredible season and we are so proud of him. This is a tremendous honor.”

Walker joins Ben Becker in 2005 and Jon Koenig in 2004 as first team all-state selections along the defensive line.

St. Edmond senior quarterback JT Laufersweiler was up for selection after his own record-breaking season and career. All-state quarterback spots went to Gladbrook-Reinbeck’s Isaac Clark and Anita-CAM’s Chase Spieker with seven others being named either on defense or at utility.

Sophomores Grant Galles and Koleman Hanson were also nominated at wide receiver and kicker, respectively.

Only Laufersweiler and Leo Ehn graduate from the roster for Dillon.

“We’ve got a lot coming back with plenty of experience,” Dillon said. “Hopefully, we can take that next step.”