Georgia’s Jalon Walker wins the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker

Walker is a junior and led the Bulldogs in tackles for losses with 10.5 and was tied for loss in sacks with 6.5. Walker also has 57 tackles.

Georgia uses Walker in a variety of roles, playing him as an off-ball linebacker, edge rusher, and even the occasional star/nickelback. Walker not only takes on various roles, but is also an important leader.

“He’s an incredible kid, Christian, he believes in his thoughts and processes,” Smart said of Walker when he was named a finalist for the award before Georgia’s game against Georgia Tech. “And he grew up in a wonderful family where he has a lot of confidence to stand up, talk to the team, take leadership, demand respect, do things the hard way and set standards the right way set.”

“I mean, he’s a great young man. It’s hard for me to say what his greatest attribute is because his character might be. It could include the ability to run, hit people, be violent, and flip a switch on the field. But in all these things he is an elite. This boy is a very, very special person on and off the field. But he is also very talented. So I feel very honored and happy for him, he deserves it.”

Walker signed with Georgia as a member of the 2022 signing class from Salisbury, NC

Walker’s best game came in the regular season against Texas when he recorded 3.0 sacks in a 30-15 win. In the SEC Championship Game, Walker added another sack and 3.0 tackles for loss.

Walker was also named second-team All-SEC for his play this season and is expected to be a top draft pick in the upcoming NFL Draft despite only being a junior.

Because of Walker’s play and leadership, Georgia won the SEC Championship that season. The Bulldogs are the No. 2 seed in the College Football Playoff and will play the winner of the Notre Dame-Indiana game in the Sugar Bowl.

It’s worth noting that Georgia went to the national championship game in Smith’s Butkus-winning season and won the national championship when Dean took home the award in 2021.