Deone Walker with former UK star Randall Cobb at SEC Media Days. (SEC Photo)
He’s been an all-American both years at Kentucky and has 90 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and 8.5 quarterback sacks going into the 2024 season. So how did Big Ten schools let Walker leave Detroit to play for Kentucky in the Southeastern Conference?
“Michigan was a close second option for me. They’re a great program, don’t get me wrong, but I just feel like it wasn’t the right fit for me,” the UK junior defensive lineman said.
Walker said at SEC Media Days he “trusted” UK coach Mark Stoops more than anyone else.
“He is big on loyalty. That’s how I am. That’s one thing that I was looking for because out of anywhere in my top five, top 10 schools, you could go and get developed,” Walker said. “You can get bigger, faster, stronger.
“Everybody is going to get your technique right. Everyone is going to get you enough reps so you can be ready in the game. I didn’t just want to be a number. I wanted to be somebody who I know the head coach cares for, you know?
“He cares for everyone no matter if you are a walk-on, a scholarship guy. If you need something, his door is always open. That’s one thing that I was looking for in a school.”
2 Responses
Walker quickly became one of my UK favorites and is now one of my all-time favorites.
The high compliments about Coach Stoops are very impressive. I was a big Stoops fan the day he was hired and wanted UK to give him a very long term contract and the ability to hire assistants with high paying and long term contracts. Some mistakes he made while learning the HC ropes were costly, but he made steady progress for years after those first 2 when the cupboard was empty. His progress peaked & has dropped into a lull the past 2 seasons. It’s time for his results to improve and remain at an 8-win minimum regular season level, with 10 no longer just a rare season.
Stoops results need to match his dedication and I hope he can do it. He’s human and there will always be some failures. But now it’s time to see the result of a lot of money pouted into UK FB the past decade.
A compliment for sure to Coach Stoops. Don’t think he could say anything to make Coach feel better.