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Utah's Chaz Walker takes a lot of razzing for his long flowing hair, a look which is quite a departure from the traditional mohawks Utah's middle linebackers frequently have sported.

Teammate Christian Cox has even threatened to take scissors to Walker's head himself.

"I'd cut his split ends," Cox joked. "I know he has some. He is a man, so I guarantee he doesn't use deep conditioner."

While his teammates might want to change Walker's look — after all, a mohawk is considered a little more intimidating for a linebacker — they have absolutely no urge to change his game.

Walker, a former walk-on out of Davis High School, is ranked sixth in the MWC in tackles per game (8.4). With 42 tackles on the season, Walker has led or tied for the team tackle lead in three of the team's five games.

His performance this year has been perhaps the biggest surprise on the defense, and one of the most welcome, since projected starter J.J. Williams has yet to play this season due to a foot injury.

Defensive coordinator Kalani Sitake attributes Walker's success to his preparation and natural football sense.

"He is one of the smartest players I've ever been around, as far as football knowledge goes," Sitake said. "He studies hard and does everything right and rarely makes any mistakes."

Walker is one of the most unassuming players the Utes have, too. As a safety at Davis High, Walker led the state with eight interceptions in 2006, but never drew any big-time offers.

He had some offers from junior college schools and Utah State, but preferred to walk on with the Utes and earn his spot.

"Once I talked to [coach Kyle Whittingham], it was a done deal," he said. "I knew this place was going to be a good place for me."

After redshirting in 2007, Walker played mostly on special teams in 2008 and at safety. He switched to linebacker in 2009, finishing with 12 tackles for the season, only a few more than he is averaging per game now.

His production increase is a combination of a change in roles; he has moved from backup to starter thanks to the loss of last year's veteran leaders and the injury to Williams, but he has earned more responsibilities too, the coaches say.

"When it came time to deciding who the guys were going to be that we'd use against Pitt, I thought he earned it," Sitake said. "He took some time to develop because he was a safety first, but his footwork and athletic skills were there.

"People look at him and he doesn't seem like a typical middle linebacker. He isn't the big 6-3 guy, but he hits hard."

Whereas Utah's linebackers have had a little more flash recently, Walker is one of those players who often goes unnoticed until he makes a big play. Other players are often recognized around campus; Walker isn't. Being without much notoriety is fine with him.

"I'm still that kid with long hair, sitting in class trying to keep up with the class schedule," he said. "I'm not really the most outgoing guy."

lwodraska@sltrib.com Twitter: @lyawodraska —

Chaz Walker file

Vitals • 5-foot-11, 218 pounds

Class • Jr.

From • Farmington, Utah

Highlights • Had 16 tackles vs. UNLV, the ninth best single game total in the nation this season. … Has 4.5 tackles for loss, seventh-best in the MWC. … Walked on with the Utes as a safety. —

No. 11 Utah at Wyoming

P Saturday, 4 p.m.

TV • The Mtn.