Even All-American Deone Walker not Guaranteed a Starting Position

Vicky Graff Photo

Deone Walker was a freshman All-American and many expect him to be one of the premier defensive linemen not only in the Southeastern Conference but in the country next season.

That’s why he was the subject of so much NIL/transfer portal speculation after his stellar 2022 season.

But guess what? He’s not even guaranteed a starting spot as nose guard this year at Kentucky according to defensive line coach Anwar Stewart.

“We do not have a depth chart right now, it is all about competing and building depth,” said Stewart. “You want to have depth and you can’t have that depth by guaranteeing positions three months before the season starts.

“I want each guy to push each other in the weight room, classroom or whatever we are doing. I want guys to be the best version of themselves.”

But surely he knows Walker will start when UK opens the season?

“Because Deone is an All-American does not mean he cannot  bebeat out,” Stewart said. “He can be beat out. For Deone, the sky’s the  limit. He is that NFL prototype kid but he’s got to get stronger and there is a little weight he still needs to lose.

“Technique-wise, he got here in the middle of June last year. This was his first offseason in the weight room. He’s got to continue to develop and I know he will. But he’s got to earn his spot. What if Deone comes back and weighs 400 pounds. Then he would not be as effective as he was as a freshman. So just like everybody else, he’s got to earn his spot back.”