Greenville, S.C. -- Furman University defender Walker Zimmerman has been listed as one of "Eight Freshmen of Influence" by Soccer America's Paul Kennedy, it was released on Wednesday.
Kennedy stated, "Zimmerman is the top freshman in another strong recruiting class for Doug Allison, who has been one of college soccer's top recruiters for a decade. The 6-foot-3 Zimmerman overcame foot and heel problems to become one of the most coveted defenders in this year's freshman class."
Zimmerman, a Lawrenceville, Ga., product, has been a regular at center back for the United States U-18 Men's National Team over the past 10 months. He was rated among the top 25 players in the 2011 incoming class by both College Soccer News and Top Drawer Soccer.
The Paladins, who return nine starters from a 2010 squad that posted a 10-7-4 overall record and captured a share of the Southern Conference regular season title with a 4-1-2 league mark, open their 2011 campaign on Friday with a 4 p.m. match at Campbell University. Furman will host nationally-ranked Duke in the home opener on August 29.