Deone Walker named to Bronko Nagurski, Outland Trophy Watch Lists

Watch List SZN is upon us and today, Kentucky sophomore defensive lineman Deone Walker was named to two of them. After a stellar freshman season, the 6’6″ 330 lbs. Walker is under consideration for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, given annually to the nation’s top defensive player, and the Outland Trophy, given to the top interior lineman. Walker is also on the watch list for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, which is named after NFL Hall of Fame defensive back Ronnie Lott and honors the defensive player who has the biggest impact on his team both on and off the field.

Walker played in all 13 games with 11 starting assignments in his freshman season in 2022. Because of his size and physicality, the rookie had an immediate impact, finishing with 40 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss (third on the team), five quarterback hurries (second on the team), two pass breakups, one sack, and one forced fumble.

Walker earned freshman All-America honors from the Football Writers Association of America, The Athletic, College Football News, On3.com, 247Sports.com, and Pro Football Focus. Additionally, he was named to the Southeastern Conference All-Freshman Team, was named second-team All-SEC by the Associated Press, Pro Football Focus, and Phil Steele’s College Football, and was a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award.

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Devin Leary on the Maxwell Award Watch List

Walker isn’t the only Cat up for an award this season. Yesterday, Devin Leary was one of 84 players named to the watch list for the Maxwell Award, given annually to the top player in college football since 1937. It is named in honor of Robert “Tiny” Maxwell, a former standout at Swarthmore College and a renowned sportswriter and football official. Former winners include Caleb Williams, Bryce Young, DeVonta Smith, Joe Burrow, and Tua Tagovailoa.

Leary transferred to Kentucky from NC State in January. Over four seasons with the Wolfpack, he completed 568-of-944 passes for 62 touchdowns and 6,807 career passing yards. Last season, he led NC State to a 5-1 record and a top-15 ranking in the national polls before suffering a season-ending injury. Prior to that, he was named the Atlantic Coast Conference Preseason Player of the Year and was one of 25 semifinalists for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.

Now, Leary is looking to end his career on a high note at Kentucky with the help of offensive coordinator Liam Coen, dynamic young wide receivers like Dane Key and Barion Brown, and a loaded tight end room.

Just 32 days until the season opener.