Eddie Walls literally targeted Oct. 4, 1986, on his calendar. Almost a year earlier, the inside linebacker was amidst an outstanding performance against Middle Tennessee when he suffered a serious knee injury-a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-while returning an interception. It ended a brilliant junior campaign for the Oliver Springs, Tenn., native.
The return match-up with the Blue Raiders-the last time Walls would have a chance to play the Govs then-greatest football rival-served as a motivational force in the long rehabilitation period.
On that Oct. 4 date, Walls was flying around the football field in leading a defense that held the Blue Raiders scoreless in a 7-0 overtime verdict-the last time APSU defeated MTSU. He was credited with 17 tackles and earned Ohio Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors.
He went on to complete one of the greatest seasons produced by a Governors linebacker. He finished his career with a team-high 146 tackles (88 initial hits) in 1986, still the second-most by a Governor in the last 27 years, and most since Bob Bible tallied 170 in 1977.
Walls was chosen first-team All-OVC in 1986 and was runner-up for the league's defensive player of the year award. He also was selected Associated Press Honorable Mention All-America.
When he chose to come across state from East Tennessee, Walls had an immediate impact athletically. He was a four-year letterman (1983-86) and three-year regular at linebacker at a time when APSU's defensive prowess was well-known around the OVC.
As a freshman, he recorded 57 tackles as a reserve linebacker and key special teams performer. A year later, back and shoulder injuries limited him to five games before his career really took off as a junior in 1985. He recorded 64 tackles, with three pass interceptions, from his inside linebacker spot before this time the knee injury ended his season with four games remaining.
All the offseason hard work resulted in high-paying dividends the following season. He was able to remain healthy as a senior, and it helped him produce an outstanding final chapter to an illustrious career.
Following the season, he was presented the Earl Walton Leadership Award along with being named permanent team captain after being voted game captain 10 of the 11 weeks. Later, he was selected to the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Scholar-Athlete Class.
He became a free-agent signee by the New York Giants prior to the 1987 season before another knee injury ended his football career.
Walls also played one season as a pitcher for the APSU baseball team, being a part of the 1984 team that won OVC Southern Division.
