Deone Walker Tabbed to 2023 Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List

Walker tallied 40 tackles as a true freshman a year ago.

You know college football season is getting closer when Deone Walker starts getting named to watch lists. 

The 2023 regular season is still around four months away, but Kentucky's monstrous defensive tackle has already been tabbed to an award, as he was one of 42 players named to the the 2023 Lott IMPACT Trophy watch list, it was announced on Tuesday. 

The award, named after former NFL Hall of Fame star Ronnie Lott, "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."

Walker became an instant impact player as a true freshman for Kentucky in 2022, totaling 40 tackles, 4.5 tackles-for-loss, five quarterback hurries (second-most on the team), two pass breakups and a forced fumble. He proved to be a handful for SEC offensive lines, forcing double teams early and often. 

As a result of his dominance a season ago, he earned quite a few national mentions: 

• True Freshman All-American (On3.com)
• College All-True Freshman Team (PFF)
• First-team Freshman All-American (CFN)
• HM All-American (Phil Steele)
• All-SEC Freshman Team (Coaches)
• All-SEC Second Team (PFF)
• All-SEC Second Team (Phil Steele)

The 6-foot-6, 330-pounder is now trying to take that next step as a sophomore in 2023:

"I'm really just trying to sharpen my iron," he told reporters during the spring. "Evolve our team, get better as a team. Be more open to being a leader, just work on my conditioning. I left so many plays out on the field last year. I feel like if I get a good year in, i'm gonna have about a 50-60 tackle season."

The Lott Trophy is the only major college football award that considers character. IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity, which are all characteristics exhibited by Lott during his illustrious playing career. 

The 42-man Lott IMPACT® Trophy Watch List is comprised of 16 linebackers, 13 defensive backs and 13 defensive linemen. There are nine players from SEC schools, the most of any conference, followed by the Big Ten and Pac 12 with eight players each. There are six players from both the Big 12 and ACC, with an additional five from non-Power 5 conference schools.

The annual winner 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 is announced at a gala black-tie event at The Pacific Club in Newport Beach, California, Dec. 10, 2023.

More on Walker HERE.

Observations from Kentucky's final open spring practice HERE.

Safety Zion Childress is emerging as a leader on the UK defense

Kentucky landed a 4-star defensive lineman on National Signing Day. More HERE.

WATCH: Kentucky football's transfer portal signees speak to the media

Devin Leary discusses his decision to transfer to Kentucky HERE.

Ray Davis isn't following former Kentucky RB's footsteps. More HERE.

Want the latest on national football and basketball recruiting, including Cats targets? Head over to SI All-American for the latest news, blogs, and updates about the nation's best prospects.

Sports Illustrated also offers insight, information and up to the minute details for gamblers. Check it out here.