David Walkosky, the veteran of the assistant coaching staff, has been a key figure in shaping the Rockets' defense the past eight seasons. He is in his second season as the secondary coach. He also has served as the special teams coordinator since 2003.
In Walkosky's eight seasons at UT, the Rockets have had eight winning seasons, appeared in four bowl games, won two MAC Championships and six MAC West Division titles.
Last season, Toledo's secondary intercepted 11 passes and held opposing quarterbacks to a 55 percent completion rate. Toledo's defense overall ranked No. 1 in the MAC in both scoring (21.8) and total defense (316.8), while strong saftey Keon Jackson made first-team All-MAC . Both Jackson and cornerback Antonio Malone signed free agent contracts with NFL teams last spring.
Walkosky's special teams units have also been a key part of UT's success. Last season, the Rockets ranked No. 2 in the MAC in kickoff returns, No. 4 in kickoff coverage and converted 13-of-13 field goal attempts. In 2003, the Rockets finished third in the nation in punt returns (16.1 yards/return), and fifth in net punting (42.9). In addition, Lance Moore was 14th in the nation in punt returns, (12.9). Walkosky has been responsible for thep unt returns unit since 1999 and in that time the Rockets have blocked 15 kicks.
Walkosky, who earned four letters as a player at Toledo from 1987-90, previously coached at Tennessee-Martin, where he was the defensive coordinator in 1998 and special teams coordinator in 1997.
Walkosky grew up in Steubenville, OH, and graduated from Steubenville Catholic Central High School. He began his college career at UT as a walk-on, eventually earning a scholarship and a starting position at free safety as a junior. As a senior in 1990, Walkosky was the second-leading tackler on a UT squad that was MAC co-champion.
Walkosky earned his bachelor's degree in health education and physical education from Toledo in 1992, and earned his master's degree in athletic administration from the University of Memphis in 1994. He is married to Wendy Batchelor, a PhD. graduate of the University of Toledo.
David WalkoskyAge: 36 (born 3-31-69)Hometown: Steubenville, OhioAlma Mater: Toledo ('92)Coaching Experience: 2005- Toledo, Secondary/Special Teams 2003-04 Toledo, Free Safety and Outside Linebackers/Special Teams 2001-02 Toledo, Free Safety/Outside Linebackers 1999-00 Toledo, Outside Linebackers 1998 Tennessee-Martin, Defensive Coordinator 1997 Tennessee-Martin, Running Backs/Special Teams Coordinator 1996 Waynesburg, Defensive Backs 1995 Waynesburg, Defensive Line 1994 Memphis, Tight Ends/Special TeamsPlaying Experience: Toledo (1987-90)Recruiting Areas: Southeast Ohio, southeast Florida
