Edgardo Soto is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Ironwood High School for AZPreps365.com

Skills, passion and charisma. All things encompassed by the best athletes help them rise to the top, and Noah Walker is no exception. 

Walker, 14, has played sports for as long as he can remember. Whether that be football or basketball, he's always been physically active. His dad Emanuel Walker remembers his son always wanting to better himself through sports. 

“He's been playing sports since he was 5,” Emanuel Walker said. “He loves it. He's always been the kid to ask, ‘Yo, dad, can we go outside and play football, basketball, work out?”’

Originally from San Diego, Walker moved to Arizona about five years ago. Due to an unforeseen exit by Ironwood's former quarterback, Walker, a freshman, took over in a game against Sunnyslope. While Walker accounted for two touchdowns, the Eagles (2-5) would ultimately lose, but there is no doubt his performance lit a fire in a stagnant offense. It earned him the starting job.

However, as a running back-turned-quarterback, the position change was no easy feat. Up until two years ago, Walker had only played running back, but he chose to switch positions to help the team. He had all the makings of a dual-threat quarterback -- a tremendous arm and outstanding speed. But it wasn't without its challenges.

“It was a little difficult at first,” Walker said. “I just had to work hard to get to where I’m at right now.”

In a three-game stretch, the team went 2-1 in large part due to Walker's stellar play. He accounted for seven touchdowns and passed for over 500 yards. 

Walker may be a tremendous athlete, but he's an even better person. If you’re unfamiliar with Walker, he could seem reserved, but friends and family say that's not the case. 

“Something people don't know about Noah is that he may seem like this super tough kid on the outside, but he's really caring and loving on the inside,” Emanuel Walker said. “I call him a big baby.”

Walker’s close friend Coen Johnson shared a similar sentiment. 

“A lot of people don’t know how loyal he really is to his friends and family,” Johnson said. “He always has a smile on his face, trying to make people laugh, making people smile if they have a bad day, and talking to people that most people don’t talk to.”

Walker's friends and family care about him deeply, and he doesn't take this lightly. Although sports are integral to his life, he believes spending time with family should always be a priority. Little things like going to the park or the movies help to strengthen their bond. Acknowledging that he would not be the person he is today without them.

“Off the field, I like to spend time with my family,” Walker said. “They're very important to me because I know they’ll support me. I know I can count on them for anything.”