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Kentucky could potentially have a top 10 NFL draft pick in 2025 with sophomore defensive lineman Deone Walker.
He was one of the Southeastern Conference’s best defensive lineman as a true freshman and should be even better this season. Defensive coordinator Brad White and defensive line coach Anwar Stewart are counting on him to anchor UK’s defensive front this season.
Others recognize just how good he might be this year, too, as he is one of 42 players on the watch list for the 2023 Lott IMPACT Trophy that annually goes to the Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year. For Walker to be considered as a player who could have the biggest impact on his team both on and off the field during the 2023 season is a huge honor.
What I like about this award is that it is the only major college football honor that considers character. IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.
The 6-8, 330-pound Walker was named a Freshman All-American by the Football Writers Association of America, The Athletic, College Football news, 247Sports.com and Pro Football Focus.
He was named to the SEC all-freshman team and the Associated Press named him second team all-SEC for all players.
Walker started 11 games in 2022 and played in all 13 UK games. He had 40 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, five quarterback hurries, two pass breakups, one sack and one forced fumble.
The Lott Watch List has 16 linebackers, 13 defensive backs and 13 defensive linemen. There are nine players from SEC schools, the most of any conference, followed by the Big Ten and Pac 12 with eight players each.
