Deone Walker named All-American by Phil Steele, 7 Wildcats make All-SEC

As if we needed more proof of his superior talent, Deone Walker has been recognized once again as one of the nation’s top defensive linemen.

This time, it was highly-respected sportswriter Phil Steele, who tabbed Walker as a Fourth-Team All-American on defense on Monday. The 6-foot-6, 330-pounder out of Detroit totaled 51 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, a team-high 5.5 sacks, and a team-high eight quarterback hurries during his sophomore campaign for Kentucky in 2023.

This is the second All-American honor for Walker during the postseason. He was named to College Football Network’s All-American Third-Team Defense earlier this month. Walker has also taken home multiple All-SEC awards from outlets such as the Associated Press, Pro Football Focus, and the league’s media members.

Walker wasn’t the only Wildcat to make Steele’s All-American list though. Redshirt sophomore defensive back Maxwell Hairston was tabbed to Steele’s Honorable Mention Team after recording five interceptions, 61 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and a team-high six pass breakups this season.

Along with his All-American Teams, Steele also unveiled his All-Southeastern Conference Teams. As you might have guessed, Walker and Hairston made that list, too. But they weren’t alone — five other Wildcats were also mentioned as All-SEC performers.

Phil Steele SEC All-Conference Team

• RB Ray Davis, First Team (Offense)
• DL Deone Walker, First Team (Defense)
• KR Barion Brown, First Team (Special Teams)
• DB Maxwell Hairston, Second Team (Defense)
• OL Marques Cox, Third Team (Offense)
• ILB D’Eryk Jackson, Third Team (Defense)
• OL Eli Cox, Fourth Team (Offense)