WATCH: Georgia freshman Jalon Walker blocks punt for Bulldogs
Georgia freshman Jalon Walker came up with the biggest play of his Bulldog career so far on Saturday, blocking Kent State’s punt in the end zone. The ball rolled out of the back of the end zone, thus resulting in a safety to give Georgia a 9-3 lead just over midway through the first quarter.
A former four-star recruit and the No. 4-ranked linebacker in the country for the Class of 2022, Walker has seen action in all three of Georgia’s games to date as a reserve linebacker.
“Yeah he’s tough man he’s a physical player, really smart, he’s picking things up,” Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said about Walker after the Bulldogs’ first game against Oregon. “He’s helped us in multiple roles, he’s playing inside backer, he’s playing sub-rusher, talented talented kid.”
“What I love about Jalon is he’s a coach’s son, so I’m always particular to those guys because of the fact that I grew up in that environment,” Smart continued. He just is so respectful and does things the right way and represents us the right way and he’s going to be a helluva player.”
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Walker enrolled early at Georgia and participating in spring drills with the Bulldogs. In doing so, he joined an inside linebacker room tasked with replacing the production of three NFL draftees from last year’s defense including the nation’s top linebacker Nakobe Dean, who won the Butkus Award.
On3 Director of Scouting Charles Power had the following to say about Jalon Walker coming out of Salisbury High School (N.C.):
“A high-floor, versatile box defender who combines on-field production with athletic upside. Has long arms and a sturdy, muscled build that is well-proportioned. Has clearly spent time in the weight room. A strong form-tackler with considerable striking power. Extremely strong at the point of contact, regularly knocking skill players backwards. Primarily plays outside the tackle box. A very effective blitzer with the ability to time his rush with the snap count. In the backfield in a flash and has the high-end athleticism to track down plays from the back side. Can play sideline-to-sideline as a pursuit defender. More of a flats defender than a linebacker who will cover running backs and tight ends in space. Plays with high energy and intelligence. Looks best fit to play as a SAM linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. Makes a bunch of plays behind the line of scrimmage. Also sees time on offense as a pass catcher and short yardage runner. Helped his high school to a state title as a junior in a shortened spring season.”
Charles Power – On3 Director of Scouting
The game is underway and streaming on SEC Network+ and ESPN+ with No. 1 ranked Georgia leading the Golden Flashes 9-3 over halfway through the first quarter.
