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Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker is one of the leaders on the Bulldogs’ defense. The junior defender had a fantastic regular season and has now been recognized for his accomplishments.
On Wednesday night, Walker was announced as the winner of the 2024 Butkus Award. Walker beat out Oklahoma’s Danny Stutsman, Clemson’s Barrett Carter, Carson Schwesinger of UCLA, and Ole Miss’ Chris Paul.
The news was broken to Walker during a team meeting. Walker’s Bulldog teammates went wild when the news was announced, with many coming to the front to congratulate the defender.
Walker addressed his teammates and gave them credit for his award.
“I appreciate y’all every single day,” said Walker. “The buy-in I get from you guys just motivates me to do better. Y’all see me put my best foot forward for moments like this.”
Walker collected 58 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries during the regular season. The junior LB was tied for the team lead in sacks and 4th in total tackles. Walker becomes the 3rd Georgia player to win the Butkus Award after Roquan Smith in 2017 and Nakobe Dean in 2021. All 3 players were coached by Kirby Smart and Glenn Schumann.
This award is named after the legendary Dick Butkus. Butkus is regarded as one of the best linebackers of all time and is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and College Football Hall of Fame. The award has annually been given to the best LB in college since 1985 and has been given to the best NFL and high school LBs since 2008.
Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Down South. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.
