Kenneth Walker III

Selected by Seattle in the 2nd round, No. 41 overall, in the 2022 NFL Draft

TRANSACTIONS:

04/29/22:   Drafted by Seattle (2nd round, 41st overall)

COLLEGE: FInished sixth overall in Heisman Trophy voting. 2021 Walter Camp National Player of the Year, 2021 Doak Walker award winner, 2021 consensus All-American as unanimous first-team selection (AFCA, AP, Sporting News, FWAA, Walter Camp, ESPN.com, CBS Sports, Pro Football Focus and The Athletic), 2021 Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Year (AP), 2021 Big Ten Ameche-Dayne Running Back of the Year, 2021 first-team All-Big Ten (coaches & media) and 2021 Maxwell Award finalist. Transfer from Wake Forest and joined the Spartan program in January 2021. Made an immediate impact in one record-breaking season in East Lansing. Played in a total of 32 collegiate games (20 at Wake Forest from 2019-20, 12 at Michigan State in 2021). Rushed for 2,794 yards and 35 touchdowns on 480 carries in his career (1,158 yards and 17 touchdowns at Wake Forest in 2020-21; 1,636 yards and 18 touchdowns at MSU in 2021). Finished his collegiate career with 3,069 all-purpose yards (1,344 at Wake Forest; 1,725 at MSU) and 36 total touchdowns (17 rushing at Wake Forest; 18 rushing and one receiving at MSU). Had 13 100-yard rushing games in career (two at Wake Forest in 2019; three at Wake Forest in 2020; eight at Michigan State in 2021). Won the Big Ten rushing title, averaging 136.3 yards per game, and finished the season ranked No. 2 in the FBS and No. 1 in the Power 5 in rushing yards per game (136.3) and total rushing yards (1,636). Started all 12 games in the regular season but opted out of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl to prepare for the NFL Draft. Ranked among MSU's single-season leaders in rushing yards per game (third with 136.3 ypg), rushing yards (fourth with 1,636), points (fourth with 114), total touchdowns (fourth with 19), rushing touchdowns (tied for fifth with 18), all-purpose yards (10th with 1,725), rushing average (10th with 6.22 avg.) and carries (11th with 263).

PERSONAL: Attended Arlington High School in Tennessee near Memphis, rushing for 3,485 yards on 493 carries, including 13 100-yard games, with 41 touchdowns in his prep career. Also had 64 catches for 1,058 yards and 16 touchdowns. Rushed for 1,403 yards as a senior with 27 touchdowns despite missing three games. Nominated for the Tennessee Sports Writers Association all-state team. Named first-team all-region at running back and kick returner. Rushed for 1,205 yards and 17 touchdowns as a junior with seven 100-yard games, Named first-team All-Region 7-6A at running back and second team as a kick returner. Majored in communications.