MLK High QB Joseph Walker commits to University of Delaware

Martin Luther King High Cougars football fans will long remember the last play of quarterback Joseph Walker’s career. Winning the inaugural game in a new Thanksgiving rivalry with a final-whistle touchdown pass tends to linger in people’s memories.

Now, the University of Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens hope “Broadway Joe” can work that same magic 50 miles to the south as Walker, 17, committed to a scholarship offer from the Newark, Del. school.

“It’s a great football program they’re trying to build and I believe in it and I know I want to be part of it,” Walker told the News Journal. “I had no doubt in my mind about Delaware when I committed. I believe it’s the best choice for me and the best situation for me to play my college career.”

Leading a team that drew the attention of the New York Times and a documentary crew, Walker guided the Cougars to a 10-3 record and the school’s first-ever Public League Class AAA title.

He chose Delaware over offers from, among several, Massachusetts and New Mexico.

The Blue Hens have won six national championships in their history, most recently in 2003.

Among the quarterback who have played in Newark before him are Rich Gannon, who played in Super Bowl XXXVII with the Oakland Raiders, and Joe Flacco, who won the NFL’s title in February with the Baltimore Ravens.