Hurricanes tailback Mark Walton: Hoops star? See for yourself

Running back Mark Walton could have a future in basketball if football doesn’t work out.

On second thought, maybe not.

But he looked mighty good on one particular drive to the hoop Thursday at Frances S. Tucker Elementary School in Coconut Grove, where he and his fellow Hurricanes were participating in a community service event.

Walton, who will be a sophomore this season, was suspended indefinitely from the team after being arrested April 23 on charges of driving under the influence and driving while license suspended/with knowledge.

UM, for now, will not comment on Walton’s status. He has, however, been participating in all team activities for at least a week or more. He was off limits to media interviews Thursday, but more than happy to flash big smiles for the cameras.

The Hurricanes likely are waiting for a resolution to Walton’s legal matter before they make any official announcements regarding his status.

They need him, as he finished the spring as a starter. Last season, Walton played in all 13 games and rushed for 461 yards and scored nine touchdowns on 130 carries. He also caught 22 passes for 292 yards and a touchdown. He was second on the team with 1,054 all-purpose yards.

Walton seemed perfectly relaxed while having a great time Thursday with his teammates and school children. Stay tuned.

This story was originally published May 26, 2016 at 6:30 PM with the headline "Hurricanes tailback Mark Walton: Hoops star? See for yourself."