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Deone Walker could be one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the Southeastern Conference this season and perhaps the most dominant defensive lineman at Kentucky since former All-American and All-Pro Art Still.
Kentucky associate coach Vince Marrow believes Walker could potentially be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
That’s why it was no surprise that the rising junior defensive lineman was one of 42 players, and one of 13 defensive linemen, selected to the Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List Wednesday. The award goes to the player who had the biggest impact on and off the field for his team.
Walker led Kentucky in tackles for loss (12.5), quarterback sacks (7.5) and quarterback hurries (8) in 2023 despite almost always being double teamed. He also had two pass breakups. He set or tied single-game career highs in every category last season, including recording nine tackles at South Carolina, four tackles for loss (-7 yards) at Missouri, one sack (-6 yards) at South Carolina, one pass breakup at Georgia and two quarterback hurries (-10 yards) against Eastern Kentucky.
The 6-6, 350-pound Walker earned All-America and All-SEC honors last season. He was also one of seven permanent team captains last season. He started all 13 games and has now made 24 straight starts over the last two years.
Walker was also named to the Lott IMPACT Trophy, Bronko Nagurksi and Outland Trophy Watch Lists in 2023.
3 Responses
He gets in the backfield quicker than I’ve ever seen a lineman. Especially playing a 3-4 defense. He is double teamed and still in the backfield. I would love for brad white to run a 4-3 defense. He would dominate even more because the offensive line on the opposing team wouldn’t be able to double team him as much. Josiah Hayes is out for the year and I thought he was really going to have a great year. Luckily we are very deep and we have the personnel to recover from his injury. He wouldn’t have started but he was a key reserve. We still have the best front 7 in the SEC. We are going to surprise alot of people this year. I think the floor is 8 wins and the ceiling is 10 wins. I think no matter what we win at least 10 games this year. This is the best team Stoops has ever had. We will now see what he does when we have the talent and experience this year. Their is no excuses. The last 2 years the offensive line killed us and the secondary. We addressed both of those problems and we will be a much better team. Brock is alot better than Leary and Leary got drafted. I just hope he stays 2 years and is not a one and done. If he has a great year and we win 10 games I think he’s gone to the nfl. That’s why we got Gavin to back him up this year and possibly be the man next year. Or if Brock gets injured he’s our insurance policy. He has gotten better every year. I think he would be a average qb in the SEC this year and even better next year. One more thing. Chip is going to surprise alot of people this year. Barring injury he’s going to rush for 1,000. We have a excellent line blocking for him.
I hope and feel that we are going to have a good year but am also concerned about all the carryover injuries from last yr surgeries that cost postponement of spring game. I just hope that Hayes injury is not only the beginning.
Walker is the complete package – super talented, great personality which enhances his leadership ability, strong & powerful (strength in motion).
Someone needs to readily use the advantage they have when Walker is double-teamed and get to the QB &/or RB quickly because of at least a partial opening in the OL.,