Deone Walker named SEC Co-Defensive Lineman of the Week

MrsTylerKSR

On3 image — (Photo courtesy of Dr. Michael Huang | Kentucky Sports Radio)

One of Kentucky Football’s brightest young stars just got some well-deserved recognition. Freshman Deone Walker was named SEC Co-Defensive Lineman of the Week for his play in Kentucky’s 26-13 win over Louisville. Earlier today, On3’s Charles Powers also tabbed Walker as one of five true freshmen standouts in college football in Week 13.

In the Governor’s Cup, Walker totaled six tackles, one-half quarterback sack plus one-half additional tackle for loss, caused a fumble, and had two quarterback hurries. Many of those plays came at critical times. In the first quarter, Walker helped stop the Cards on downs inside the Kentucky 15-yard line. On first down, he had a quarterback hurry that forced an incompletion; on second down, he shared a one-yard tackle for loss. Kentucky got a turnover on downs on that series to preserve a 7-0 lead.

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On the opening possession of the third quarter, Walker shared a nine-yard quarterback sack on the first play to help force a punt and prevent the Cardinals from taking the lead. Later in the third quarter, his QB hurry on third down forced a punt that Kentucky turned into a field goal. In the fourth quarter, Walker forced a fumble on a tackle.

For the season, Walker has 39 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack, five quarterback hurries, two pass breakups, and one forced fumble. He is a Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award (semifinalist) and Midseason True Freshman All-American (The Athletic, 247 Sports, On3.com, College Football News). Best of all, based on his social media postings, he seems quite content in Lexington.