Deone Walker Selected to Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Deone Walker, a University of Kentucky rising junior defensive lineman, is one of 42 student-athletes and one of 13 defensive linemen selected to the Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List.
The Lott IMPACT Trophy is the only major college football award that considers character. Named after former NFL Hall of Fame star, Ronnie Lott, The Lott Trophy annually goes 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. IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity, all characteristics exhibited by Lott during his illustrious playing career.
Walker, a 6-foot-6, 348-pound defensive lineman from Detroit, Michigan, was named an All-American by College Football Network and Phil Steele after a sensational sophomore season in 2023. Also selected to the All-Southeastern Conference First Team and All-SEC Defensive Second Team in 2023, 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 for an eventual touchdown.
The Wildcat was named one of seven permanent team captains last season, as he went on to play and start in all 13 games. In fact, he improved his streak of 24 straight starts, a stretch dating back to his freshman season in 2022. Walker, who also was named to the Lott IMPACT Trophy, Bronko Nagurksi and Outland Trophy Watch Lists in 2023, 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 (-10 yards) against EKU.
The annual winner of the Lott IMPACT Trophy is selected by a national voter panel, consisting of former winners, members of the media, coaches, and members of the Board of Directors of The IMPACT Foundation. The winner will be announced at a gala, black-tie event at The Pacific Club in Newport Beach, CA on Dec. 8.
The 2024 Kentucky Football season tickets are on sale now, with prospective new season ticket holders able to work together with a personal ticketing consultant to compare and purchase available seat locations by submitting a request at this link or by contacting the UK Sales Office at (800) 928-2287 (Option 1). Fans are also able to access to the Kentucky Football Virtual Venue for 360-degrees views from inside Kroger Field.
Those who missed the renewal deadline but would still like to keep their season tickets are encouraged to reach out to the UK Sales Office at (800) 928-2287 (Option 1).
For more information on the UK football team, visit ukathletics.com/football and follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and “X,” formerly Twitter.
