Deone Walker has already been named to a preseason watch list

May 9th feels a little early for college football’s preseason watch lists, but when it comes to Kentucky Football‘s Deone Walker, how much more do you need to see to know you need to keep watching?

Earlier today, the committee behind the Lott IMPACT Trophy listed Walker as one of 42 early candidates in consideration for the 2023 edition of the award named after NFL Hall of Fame defensive back Ronnie Lott. Lott’s trophy is given annually to the Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year, “a player who has had the biggest impact on his team both on and off the field.”

The Lott Trophy also prides itself as the only major college football award that considers character. IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, and Tenacity.

Deone Walker’s impact at Kentucky was immediate. As a true freshman in 2022, the Michigan native played in all 13 games with 11 starts along the defensive line, where he finished his rookie year with 40 tackles, 4.5 for loss, five QB hurries, two PBUs, a sack, and a forced fumble. A freshman!

Walker’s play earned him several postseason honors, including Second Team All-SEC and All-SEC Freshman. He is expected to garner even more attention as a sophomore, proven here by his inclusion in the Lott IMPACT Trophy’s Watch List.

The 41 other contenders are listed here. Among them are nine players from the Southeastern Conference, Walker included.

Go Cats.