Deone Walker Named to The Lombardi Award Preseason Watch List
Kentucky junior defensive tackle Deone Walker has been named to 2024 The Lombardi Award Preseason Watch List, it was announced Thursday by The Lombardi Award Committee.
The Lombardi Award™ was established in 1970, in memory of legendary coach Vince Lombardi. It is presented to outstanding linemen who best epitomize his values of leadership, courage, performance and discipline on and off the field. Furthermore, the watch list includes players who are consistently showing the values of strength, agility, and football acumen in their respective positions.
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.
He is currently also on the watch lists for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the Outland Trophy and the Chuck Bednarik Award. He has also received preseason All-America nods from Sporting News (first team), USA Today (second team), ESPN (first team), Walter Camp (second team), Athlon Sports (second team) and Phil Steele (second team).
This marks the 51st anniversary of the award which has been handed out in Houston, Texas since its inception. The 2024 award dinner will take place on Dec. 11, 2024 and net proceeds from gala sponsorship and table sales are dedicated to supporting cancer research and families and patients battling cancer.
