2022 NFL Draft: Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker III selected by Seattle Seahawks in second round

Michigan State operating again Kenneth Walker III is formally heading to the NFL. Walker was chosen by the Seattle Seahawks within the second spherical at No. 41 total of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Unsurprisingly, Walker turns into the primary Spartan chosen on this yr’s draft. Final yr, Michigan State’s 80-year lengthy streak of getting no less than one participant drafted was snapped, as zero Spartans head their identify referred to as in the course of the 2021 NFL Draft. Now, MSU will hope to begin a brand new streak (and may have one to 2 different gamers drafted in 2022 with large receiver Jalen Nailor and H-back/tight finish Connor Heyward).

Walker additionally turns into the best drafted Michigan State participant since Malik McDowell in 2017 (No. 35). Moreover, he’s now the primary ever Spartan drafted below Mel Tucker.

Walker solely spent one season at Michigan State after transferring in from Wake Forest. Nevertheless, he’s arguably essentially the most impactful one-year participant within the historical past of the MSU soccer program. He shall be eternally remembered by MSU followers for his time in East Lansing — not just for his accomplishments on the sector, but additionally for his humble demeanor and team-first angle.

Walker’s very first contact as a Spartan went for a 75-yard landing run towards the Northwestern Wildcats. He would go on to hurry for 1,636 yards on 263 carries (6.2 yards per carry) and scored 19 whole touchdowns in 12 video games in the course of the 2021 season. General in his profession mixed at Wake Forest and Michigan State, Walker completed with 480 dashing makes an attempt for two,794 yards (5.8 yards per carry) and 36 whole touchdowns (35 dashing touchdowns).

For his robust 2021 marketing campaign, Walker acquired the Doak Walker Award because the nation’s greatest operating again. He additionally acquired the Walter Camp Participant of the 12 months award. Walker grew to become the primary Spartan ever to win both trophy.

Moreover, Walker earned unanimous All-American honors, acquired All-Large Ten first-team recognition, received the Large Ten Ameche-Dayne Working Again of the 12 months award, was named the Related Press’ Large Ten Co-Offensive Participant of the 12 months and Newcomer of the 12 months, and acquired many different accolades.

As a runner, Walker brings fast starter-level expertise to the NFL. There are considerations about his skill to catch out of the again discipline (he actually has the flexibility, simply was not requested to do it usually in school) and go defend to be a real third-down again, however it might not be shocking to see Walker earn a job early on and ultimately turn into a featured tailback in Seattle.

Walker was the second operating again taken within the 2021 NFL Draft, behind solely Iowa State’s Breece Corridor (No. 36 total to the New York Jets).

“There are a variety of nice backs (within the draft),” Walker mentioned after Michigan State’s professional day. “I’d like to be taken first, clearly. However wherever I’m taken I’m going to make my alternative rely and go as arduous as I can.”

Walker joins a operating backs room in Seattle that features Chris Carson, Rashaad Penny, Alex Collins and others.

Good luck to Kenneth within the NFL. For extra on Walker, learn over his NFL Draft profile.

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