The Linebacker position in the NFL has rapidly increased in importance, due to the almost parallel increase in emphasis on passing the football in the league, instead of running it. Acting as the field marshal of the defensive unit, Linebackers interpret their defensive coordinator's play calls and help set the formation and coverage of the entire defensive unit, while making changes on the fly, in reaction to the opposing offense’s movements.
The Green Bay Packer felt the need to address their roster’s holes on the defensive side of the ball and hence drafted JaQuavian Jy'Quese "Quay" Walker in the 2022 NFL Draft with the 22nd pick in the 1st round. Walker was born on May 8, 2000, in Cordele, Georgia. He is 23 years old (as of January 2024). He attended Crisp County High School and played football for the school’s team, where he had 109 tackles, eight sacks, and an interception as a junior.
With his impressive performances & stats in high school, Walker was rated as a four-star recruit and courted scholarship offers from multiple powerhouse collegiate football programs. Having initially committed to play for the famous Alabama Crimson Tide program under Coach Nick Saban.
Since being drafted to the NFL, Walker’s racked up impressive numbers in his short timespan in the league. He’s hit the ground running, notching up 1 interception, 10 pass deflections, 3 forced fumbles, 4 sacks and 239 tackles throughout 2 seasons. For his impressive rookie season in 2022, Walker was nominated to the 2022 PFWA All-Rookie Team. The next season, he played a leading role in powering his team’s young roster to the Divisional Round of the 2023 NFL Season Playoffs, which included a thrashing of the Cowboys in AT&T Stadium during wildcard weekend and, nearly taking down the San Franciso 49ers as well
Quay Walker College
Quay Walker attended the University of Georgia and played for the famed Bulldogs from 2018 to 2021. Succeeding current NFL star and one-man game wrecker Roquan Smith at Georgia, Walker played for seasons at UGA. Initially getting limited chances in his rookie year, he broke through to become a full-time starter for the Dawgs in his sophomore season, marking his breakout campaign. Playing with a stacked Georgia roster, especially on the defensive side of the ball, Walker racked up a total of 137 tackles, 11 TFLs, 3 pass deflections and 5 sacks across his 4 seasons.
The magnum opus of Walker’s college career would come in the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship Game, in which he led the Bulldogs to an utterly dominant 52-24 win over the Ohio State University (OSU) Buckeyes. Following this, he declared for the 2022 NFL Draft.
Quay Walker Draf
Quay Walker was drafted by the Green Bay Packers 22nd overall, in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The Packers previously acquired the pick in a trade that sent Davante Adams to the Las Vegas Raiders.
At 6'4" and 241 pounds with nearly 33-inch arms, Walker fits the mold of the prototypical modern linebacker. He possesses the size and length to take on blocks, the speed to pursue laterally and downfield, and the closing burst to drive ball carriers into the turf.
Walker showed off his stunning athletic profile at the 2022 NFL Combine, where he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.52 seconds at nearly 250 pounds while posting a 32-inch vertical and bench-pressed 225 lbs for 23 reps. Effortlessly ranging sideline-to-sideline, Walker has the physical tools to impact games versus both the run and pass.
FAQ's On Quay Walker college
A. Quay Walker wears the #7 for the Green Bay Packers.
A. Walker plays as a Linebacker for the Green Bay Packers.
A. Walker attended the University of Georgia and played for the Georgia Bulldogs.
A. Walker is 23 years old as of January 2024.
