LAS VEGAS — For the first time since 2009, the top pick in the NFL Draft is a Georgia Bulldog.
The Jacksonville Jaguars selected UGA defensive star Travon Walker with the No. 1 pick Thursday night.
Watch the NFL Draft LIVE NOW on Channel 2 and hear from Walker about his selection on WSB Tonight following the draft.
[NFL Draft 2022: Dates, times, draft order, how to watch on Channel 2]
Walker becomes only the fifth Georgia player drafted at No. 1 overall, joining Frank Sinkwich, Charley Trippi Harry Babcock and Matthew Stafford.
It is possible that up to six Georgia defensive players from the national championship team will be drafted in the first two rounds.
Jordan Davis, Devonte Wyatt. Lewis Cine, Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker also expect to hear their name called early.
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Walker grew up in Thomaston, Georgia. Walker was a two-sport star at Upson Lee High School and helped lead the basketball team to back-to-back undefeated state championship seasons.
Channel 2′s Zach Klein spoke with Walker’s parents ahead of the Bulldogs’ national championship win over Alabama,
Stead Walker is a Marine Corps and police veteran. Sonia Walker has been a member of the Board of Education for 14 years.
How much did discipline, hard work and Stead’s military background help in Travon’s growth?
“A lot. As much as I could. Not only him but my other kids as well. He took in a lot that I would say,” Stead told Klein. “When he first got to Georgia, the coaches were like ‘Glad that Travon doesn’t have a problem getting up early in the morning and with his diet. You did a good job. That must be the Marine Corps.’ It was things like that that helped along the way.”
Walker’s parents said that Travon didn’t have trouble showing initiative at an early age.
“His dad always told him if you do something, don’t do it 100%. Do it 110%. He always pushed himself to the limit,” Sonia Walker said.
From Upson County to Athens, Walker became a dominant force on the UGA defensive line, but it wasn’t until his senior year and impressive combine that his No. 1 pick potential rose.
It is the second year a row that the Jaguars have selected a former Georgia high school standout. Cartersville’s Trevor Lawrence went No. 1 overall in the 2021 draft.
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