Deone Walker excited to see what he, Kentucky defense can do against Georgia

Kentucky defensive lineman Deone Walker is ready for the challenge that awaits Saturday when the Wildcats head to Athens to face No. 1 Georgia. UK’s defense has been solid in the early going, ranking 20th in points allowed per game (15.2), which gives Walker confidence they can continue that level of production against the Bulldogs.

That will be easier said than done against Carson Beck, Brock Bowers and a Georgia passing attack that ranks 10th in the country. However, the Bulldogs have had close calls in their first two SEC games against South Carolina and Auburn, so Kentucky has a chance to make a statement.

“It’s great to show what I can do, but really, I want to see what our defense can do against them,” Walker told On3‘s Andy Staples. “They’re a top 10 passing team in the country and they’re gonna ground and pound. I just can’t wait to see what our front eight do and how we stack up against them guys.”

The Wildcats are tied for fifth in the SEC with 17 sacks on the season, while also coming away with five interceptions and 17 passes defended. Walker, standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 350 pounds, has been a big part of that as he ranks second on the team with 2.5 sacks on the season.

The defensive lineman has also worked on his versatility this offseason and has the ability to play either inside or on the edge. Last week in a 33-14 win against Florida, he even got a chance to show what he can do in pass coverage, knocking a ball loose as Trevin Wallace came away with an interception.

Walker credits the coaching staff for helping him develop those parts of his game after showing off his skills last season as a true freshman.

“I’m confident in my ability with anything I do,” he said. “Even in high school, I knew I could play receiver if I wanted. Coach (Brad) White and coach (Anwar) Stewart helped me gain that confidence to think that I could play everything, to learn how to play everything, to learn how to position myself getting off in a two-point stance. It was just from me playing around after practice going with outside backers. Just trying to be a sponge, so to speak.”

It’s more than just Deone Walker that makes the Kentucky defense dangerous, however. Wallace and JJ Weaver have combined for eight tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks and will also be on Georgia’s radar.

The Bulldogs are currently on a 22-game winning streak dating back to their national championship in 2021, but the Kentucky defense will do its best to end it. Kickoff between the Wildcats and Georgia is set for 7 p.m. ET on Saturday in Athens.

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