WALKER ONCE AGAIN STICKS WITH RAMS

Former Southeast Missouri State University standout Marquis Walker has apparently once again secured an opening-day roster spot in the National Football League.

Walker, a defensive back, survived the St. Louis Rams' final round of cuts on Sunday. Seven players were released as the Rams had to trim their roster to meet opening-day guidelines.

The Rams open the 1997 season Sunday at home against New Orleans.

Walker will be in his second season with the Rams after originally signing as a free agent last year following a stellar senior campaign at Southeast in 1995.

A 5-foot-11, 173-pounder, Walker played in eight games for the Rams last season. He made four starts and finished with 24 tackles, 11 passes defensed and one interception.