Vicky Graff Photo
Statistics cannot really measure the impact Kentucky defensive lineman Deone Walker has on a game, including the 33-14 win over Florida Saturday.
He was credited with two tackles, one quarterback sack and one tackle for loss. However, that doesn’t indicate how he helped dominate the line of scrimmage as UK limited Florida to just 69 yards rushing.
But perhaps his most amazing play was when defensive coordinator dropped the 6-6, 350-pound Walker into pass coverage early in the game. Walker was credited with a pass breakup that turned into an interception by Trevin Wallace that led to UK’s first touchdown.
“That was the first (time),” Walker said about dropping off the line of scrimmage. “I’ve been campaigning (for it) ever since he put the play in. I want to run it every play.”
What did Wallace think about the hit Walker delivered to the Florida receiver?
“Oh my goodness, that’s a big boy hit. I can say it’s fair because you don’t have that guy wrestling, but him dropping back and then hitting somebody like that? Oh my goodness,” Wallace said.
My goodness indeed because it shows the extraordinary athleticism Walker has to go with this strength and power.
Walker said “playing together” is why UK’s run defense was so good.
“They had a couple of explosive plays. Florida is a great team, but just us being able to stay mellowed out and not letting our emotions get the best of us.” Walker said.
Linebacker Josh Allen was the 2018 national defensive player of the year for Kentucky. He’s now a NFL standout for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Walker says not to even think about putting him in that category.
“He’s a great, Kentucky great. I will say, I just have to work on my releases for pass blocking, run blocking and just have to work on getting off more aggressive,” Walker said.
So is there anything Walker cannot do?
“No. He is a pretty athletic guy. He really is,” Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said. “He wears wide receiver shoes.
“I saw him out there and I was like, Really? Really? You are the only guy that big I’ve seen wearing wide receiver shoes.”
