Deone Walker Interview: Dominant Pass Rusher

Kentucky defensive tackle Deone Walker is among the best and most productive players in the SEC heading into the 2024 college football campaign. Walker was dominant for the Wildcats last season, recording 55 tackles, 12.5 for loss, and 7.5 sacks. A unique blend of size, strength, and quickness makes him an impactful interior pass rusher.

Walker recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Walker discussed his breakout 2023 season, what comes next, learning from his teammates, his ideal playing weight for 2024, his pass-rush arsenal, which Kentucky performances he's most proud of, and more.

JM: You took a massive step forward in 2023, recording 55 tackles, 12.5 for loss, and 7.5 sacks. What changed for you this past season?

Deone Walker: I have to give that credit to defensive coordinator Brad White and defensive line coach Anwar Stewart. They really pushed me to be the captain of the defense. I needed to do a better job showcasing what I was capable of. A lot of the plays I made, it felt like they came to me. It was natural because I played within our scheme.

JM: Going into 2024, how do you build on that and take another step? It's clear the sky's the limit for you, but sometimes it's tough to do when the numbers are as good as they were in 2023.

Deone Walker: I'm not really worried about the numbers right now. That's the honest truth. I'm just trying to play football. I'm so happy to be back here with my brothers. If I get a few tackles this year, great (laughs). I'm just focused on playing this season with my teammates. 

I'm more-so working on being a better leader off the field. I'm trying to show my young teammates how to do things the right way. I'm trying to show them how to be great in the classroom. If you're great in the classroom, you can play stress-free football. It's about taking care of your business off the field so you can be your best self on the field.

JM: You also had some amazing teammates to learn from last season. What did you pick up on from watching guys like Andru Phillips and Trevin Wallace?

Deone Walker: Their mindset really impressed me, their work ethic. Andru Phillips is a funny guy, he always brought an up-tempo vibe to the practice field and locker room. When it was time to really work, he locked in, he had no problem going back and forth. You don't have to be the tough guy all the time. You can relax and enjoy time with your teammates.

You can smile and still lead by example. That's what those guys taught me.

JM: With guys like Andru and Trevin now playing in the NFL, are you stepping up as a vocal leader in the locker room?

Deone Walker: I'm trying to lead by example first and foremost. I'm also being that leader in the classroom like I said earlier. People are still lifting me up, and I'm using that support to lift others up. I'm trying to be the first one in line. I'm the first one in the meeting room, the first one in the weight room, and so on. 

I want to be 10 minutes earlier than everybody else. I know that's going to rub off on somebody. Before I know it, somebody is going to show up 10 minutes before I do (laughs).

JM: We love that. You want to lead by example. You have an extremely unique body type. You're listed at 6-foot-6 and 345 pounds. What do you think it is that allows you to be such an incredible mover at that size?

Deone Walker: I've always been that way (laughs). Going back to middle school and high school, I was always the fastest at footwork drills. My high school coaches always kept me moving. Keep your feet moving, Deone. I've always been the biggest guy. My junior and senior years, I was the biggest guy, but I always kept moving.

I always worked on my footwork. Syncing up my reaction time with my feet is why I'm the athlete I am today.

JM: We love that. Do you have a goal in mind for your playing weight this season?

Deone Walker: I do. I'm trying to get down to 330 pounds by the start of the season. After that, I want to work my way down to 325. 

JM: Because you're so unique, I'm curious which defensive linemen you study and watch? There aren't a lot of guys that can match your size, but do you tend to watch bigger guys like Jordan Davis or T'Vondre Sweat? Or do you watch all defensive linemen regardless of size?

Deone Walker: My favorite defensive lineman ever is Calais Campbell. I love his game, I love watching his tape. We're around the same size, maybe I'm a little bigger than him. He's shown that you can be 6-foot-6, 6-foot-7 and still play the game at a high level. 

He's shown that he can use both his hands and his feet to defeat blocks. I do the same thing. It doesn't have to just be brute force all the time.

JM: I swear Calais Campbell is going into his 38th season this year (laughs). He's the definition of longevity. How would you describe your pass rush arsenal? How do you beat offensive linemen?

Deone Walker: Something like that for Campbell, right? (laughs). I play with a ton of finesse. A lot of offensive linemen last season thought I was a straight power guy. They think I'm a power rusher that can only use strength to beat them.

A lot of my sacks were the result of finesse though. I have great hands and I'm quick off the ball.

JM: What's your favorite position alignment to play and why? You're versatile, but are you partial to the 3-tech, for example?

Deone Walker: No, I'm happy to play whichever position I'm asked to play. It doesn't matter to me. It's wherever coach White and coach Stewart need me to play.

JM: What's the best game you've played in a Kentucky jersey to date and why?

Deone Walker: That's a great question. I would probably say my South Carolina game from last season. Missouri also comes to mind. Going back to my freshman year, I played a great game against Florida. That was really my "welcome to college football" moment. 

JM: Those were three outstanding performances. We've appreciated you taking time today. This Kentucky program has done a fantastic job developing you both as a person and player. In closing, talk to me about what the Kentucky program means to you.

Deone Walker: It means the world to me. Kentucky's entire concept is based on loyalty and hard work. Nothing is given to you. You have to work for everything you have. You have to put it all on the line while striving for a better outcome. I'm big on loyalty. 

I said this at Media Day as well. Before I even committed, head coach Mark Stoops said he'd always be loyal to me. He's proven that to me time and time again. That's why I'm going to be a great leader both on and off the field. I want my guys to come with me. My success is their success.

Loyalty has made me love this Kentucky program even more. We're about to have a great season.