Lakota West grad, Miami's Silas Walters to sign with Ravens as undrafted free agent

Apr. 26—WEST CHESTER TWP. — Silas Walters has turned a steady rise for the Miami RedHawks into an NFL opportunity. He will be signing with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent following the conclusion of 2026 draft Saturday.

A Lakota West High School graduate, Walters carved out a productive career in Oxford, developing from a walk-on into one of Miami's most reliable defensive players and a standout on special teams.

The 6-foot-1 safety finished his college career with 200 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions and 24 pass breakups over 40 games. He earned second-team All-Mid-American Conference honors in 2025 after recording 71 tackles and three interceptions, including picks against Wisconsin, Lindenwood and Buffalo.

Walters' impact extended beyond the secondary. In 2023, he led the nation in special teams tackles, emerging as one of the most effective coverage players in the country. That versatility helped define his role over the next two seasons as Miami made three consecutive MAC Championship Game appearances from 2023 — 25.

His most productive defensive season came in 2024, when he totaled 95 tackles, 12 pass breakups and two fumble recoveries, establishing himself as a centerpiece of the RedHawks' defense. He was later named Miami's Defensive Skill Player of the Year.

"I remember sitting in the Fieldhouse with Si and his parents, talking through his options as a COVID recruit," said Lakota West coach Tom Bolden. "I told him there was an opportunity to come to Miami as a preferred walk-on. Fast forward to now, and he's signing with the Baltimore Ravens. What a story and what a journey — but not surprising given his work ethic and determination. I'm so proud of him and happy for him and his family."

Walters now joins a Ravens organization known for valuing physical defensive backs and special teams contributors, giving him a path to compete for a roster spot at the next level.

He isn't the only recent Lakota West product to reach the NFL. Fellow Firebirds alum Jackson Kuwatch was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the seventh round of the 2026 draft.