Prior to Southern - Walker played for Coach Darnell's brother and former Southern athlete Flave Darnell at Carl Junction. A four-year starter for the Bulldogs at outfield and pitcher, Walker also started for two seasons on the basketball court at CJHS. A three-time all Big-8 Conference selection, Walker was 5-3 as a junior with 66 strikeouts and a 2.20 ERA on the mound, while limiting hitters to just a .225 batting average. In 2010 as a sophomore, he was 8-2 with 85 strikeouts, a 2.90 ERA and limited batters to just .229 while earning his first no-hitter. He helped the Bulldogs to a state runner-up finish in 2009, as well as a district title in 2010. As a junior, he was part of conference championships in both baseball and basketball.

Personal - The son of Mike and Anna Walker, Payton plans to major in business at Southern.