UK Athletics Photo
Kentucky football seems like it has been looking for an on-field leader all season. The Cats just have not had that player who has been willing to be vocal on the field but also back up his statements with his play.
Maybe that leader has emerged in sophomore defensive tackle Deone Walker.
He might have had his best game last week at South Carolina in the 17-14 loss when he had nine tackles, including eight solo stops — an unreal number for a defensive lineman who is almost always at least double teamed.
That South Carolina loss started immediate speculation that the Cats might be ready for the season to end and some star players — like Walker — might be ready to test the transfer portal.
Walker posted a short and sweet message on X Sunday. “The grass ain’t always greener…,” Walker posted.
He said much the same thing last year when rumors started that he might transfer and didn’t let potential bigger NIL deals entice him to leave UK and defensive line coach Anwar Stewart — the man his mother wanted him to play for in college.
Walker certainly sounded like someone Tuesday not interested in doing anything but helping Kentucky win at rival Louisville Saturday and did not mind providing bulletin board material for the Cardinals.
“It means a lot (to beat Louisville). I never liked Louisville. Even while I was getting recruited. I just don’t like the Cardinals. Their fans are kind of snobbish. Their players act entitled,” Walker said after Tuesday’s practice. “A lot of pent up aggression towards them.”
He did say Louisville had a “great team, great coaching staff” that has turned the program around. The Cardinals are 10-1 and headed to the ACC championship game against Florida State.
But Walker is ready to help UK extend its dominance over the Cards.
“It would mean a lot and cap off our season (with a win),” Walker said.
The Cardinals are a 7-point favorite.
