In a standout performance during the Georgia Bulldogs’ 30-15 victory over the Texas Longhorns, junior linebacker Jalon Walker set an impressive benchmark that hasn’t been seen in college football for two decades. In the first half alone, Walker recorded three sacks on Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers and made seven tackles, becoming the first player in 20 years to achieve such numbers against the No. 1 ranked team, as reported by ESPN Stats and Information.
Jalon Walker is the first player in the last 20 years with 3 sacks and 7 tackles in a game against the AP No. 1 team.
He did it in the first half.
(via @ESPNStatsInfo)
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) October 20, 2024
By the end of the game, Walker had tallied eight tackles, three sacks, and a fumble recovery. This season, he has accumulated 30 total tackles (18 of which were solo), 4.5 sacks resulting in a loss of 36 yards, one fumble recovery, and one pass defended over seven games. Walker not only leads the Bulldogs in sacks but also ranks fourth on the team in total tackles.
Head coach Kirby Smart has praised Walker’s development since joining the team in 2022, highlighting his character and leadership qualities. “He’s a high-character leader,” Smart stated. “He presented me with the football after the game, commemorating my 100th win. He’s just a remarkable kid with strong moral values and a great family. I often reflect on how vital recruitment wins can be. When he called to say he was coming to Georgia, it changed his life and ours. His dad reached out recently to say, ‘Kirby, y’all have done everything you said you would with my son, and I really appreciate you making him a better man.'”
Walker’s impressive showing against Texas also earned him the title of SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week, sharing the honor with defensive end Mykel Williams.
𝗦𝗘𝗖 𝗖𝗼-𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸
Jalon Walker @JalonWlaker #GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/qjtTx0nzt2
— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) October 21, 2024
A four-star recruit from Salisbury High School in North Carolina, Walker was highly regarded as the No. 3 linebacker prospect nationally and the top prospect in North Carolina when he committed to Georgia in December 2021. After playing a reserve role in his first two seasons, he has stepped up significantly this year, showcasing his skills as a hybrid linebacker. As he continues to develop, Walker’s contributions are vital for Georgia’s defensive success moving forward.
