Kentucky announces player representatives for SEC Media Days

SEC Media Days is set to take place next week in Dallas and the full list of participants were released by the conference on Monday.

Joining head coach Mark Stoops for Kentucky are defensive lineman Deone Walker, middle linebacker D'Eryk Jackson and left tackle Marques Cox.

All three are expected to be major pieces to the potential succes of Kentucky this season.

Deone Walker is a projected first-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft and as high as a top 10 pick in certain mock drafts. He is coming off of season where he totaled 55 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. He was an All-American and All-SEC selection in 2023.

The 6-foot-6 and 348-pound Walker has a strong case to be made for SEC Defensive Player of the Year come next year.

Jackson, like Walker, has been a backbone to the success of Kentucky on the defensive side of the ball over the last few years. He led Kentucky in tackles each of the past two seasons. He had 89 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and two sacks in 2023.

Cox transferred from Northern Illinois last offseason. In his first season with Kentucky he started every game.

The Wildcats are coming off of back-to-back seven win seasons, and two straight bowl losses. They have won just six combined SEC games across the past two seasons -- something that will be difficult once again with the new additions of Oklahoma and Texas.

Kentucky is just two years removed from a 10-win season.

Kentucky takes the podium on Thursday, July 18.