Michigan State star Kenneth Walker III declares for NFL Draft

Kenneth Walker III broke out for Michigan State this year after transferring from Wake Forest. Now, he’s taking his talents to the next level.

Walker announced Thursday he’s opting out of the Spartans’ Peach Bowl matchup with Pitt to declare for the 2022 NFL Draft. With his announcement, he wrote a message for Spartan Nation on his Twitter.

💚🤍 pic.twitter.com/Mjnt3axKqV

— 𝒦ℰ𝒩𝒩ℰ𝒯ℋ 𝒲𝒜ℒ𝒦ℰℛ ℐℐℐ🤍 (@Kenneth_Walker9) December 16, 2021

“It has been a true honor to represent Michigan State University and wear the Green and White,” Walker wrote. “I am beyond grateful to Coach Tucker and the entire staff for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to shine under their new leadership. As the regular season has come to a close, I would like to announce that I have decided to forgo playing in the Peach Bowl to begin preparation for the NFL Draft.

“I would like to thank God, my family, teammates, fans and all my coaches over the years for helping me become the player I am today. I will forever be a Spartan Dawg.”

Walker had an amazing season for Michigan State this year and brought home the Doak Walker Award for his performance. He ranks second in the nation with 136.3 rushing yards per game and found the end zone 18 times.

His biggest game this season came in Michigan State’s thrilling 37-33 victory over Michigan on Oct. 30. Walker ran for 197 yards and five touchdowns to lead the Spartans to the rivalry victory — and keep them in the top 10 in the nation. The Spartans finished the year ranked No. 10 in the final College Football Playoff rankings.

Michigan State and Pitt face off in the Peach Bowl on Dec. 30.

Michigan State RB Kenneth Walker III wins 2021 Doak Walker Award

Kenneth Walker III burst onto the scene for Michigan State this year after transferring from Wake Forest. His efforts paid off Thursday night as he was named the winner of the 2021 Doak Walker Award, which goes to the nation’s top running back.

Walker made an immediate impact on the Spartans, who had a virtually nonexistent run game last season. He finished the year second in the nation with 136.3 rushing yards per game.

You couldn’t have drawn up a better start to the year for Walker. In his very first play from scrimmage of the year, he took it 75 yards to the house. In fact, Walker accounted for 33.4% of Michigan State’s total offense this season.

Michigan State is now gearing up to play Pitt in the Peach Bowl.