LEXINGTON, Ky. – August 19, 2024 – Matt May
Kentucky defensive tackle Deone Walker has been named a second-team preseason All-American by the Associated Press, it was announced Monday.
The defensive lineman continues to garner preseason praise, having stacked a recognition list this preseason that includes:
- Preseason All-America, First Team (ESPN, Sporting News)
- Preseason All-America, Second Team (AP, Athlon, Phil Steele, USA Today, Walter Camp)
- Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List
- Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List
- Outland Trophy Watch List
- Lombardi Award Watch List
- Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List
- Preseason All-SEC, First Team (Athlon, Media, Phil Steele)
Walker, a 6-foot-6, 348-pound defensive lineman from Detroit, is coming off a sensational sophomore season in 2023. Despite battling frequent double teams, he led the Blue and White in tackles for loss (12.5), quarterback sacks (7.5) and quarterback hurries (8). He also added two pass breakups, including one in Kentucky’s win over Florida on Sept. 30, which was intercepted by UK and returned to the UF 15-yard line that led to an eventual touchdown.
The Wildcat was named one of seven permanent team captains last season, as he went on to play in and start all 13 games. In fact, he improved his streak to 24 straight starts, a stretch dating back to his freshman season in 2022. Walker set or tied single-game career highs in every category last season, including recording nine tackles at South Carolina, 4.0 tackles for loss (-7 yards) at Missouri, 1.0 sacks (-6 yards) last at South Carolina, one pass breakup last at Georgia and two quarterback hurries against EKU.
Walker earned first-team All-SEC honors from multiple selectors and was a third-team All-America choice by the College Football Network in 2023.
