CONWAY, Ark. _ University of Central Arkansas defensive end David Walker became the highest National Football League draftee in the school's history on Saturday when he was taken in the fourth round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Walker, from Stuttgart, Ark., was the 121st overall pick and was the fourth player selected by the Bucs thus far in the 2025 NFL Draft. 

Round 1, Pick 19: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State.
Round 2, Pick 53: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame.
Round 3, Pick 84: Jacob Parris, CB, Kansas State.
Round 4, Pick 121: David Walker, Edge, Central Arkansas

Walker, a 6-foot-2, 260-pounder, is UCA's career sack (31) and tackles for loss (60) leader in just three seasons with the Bears. He won the Buck Buchanan Award in January, which goes to the top defensive player in the Football Championship Series (FCS). Walker was a finalist for the past three years, finishing third overall in 2022 as a sophomore. 

Walker, who transferred to UCA after his freshman season at NCAA Division II Southern Arkansas, racked up 68 tackles (45 solos), 23 tackles for loss (121 yards) and 10.5 sacks in 12 games as a senior for the Bears, while also setting career highs with four forced fumbles, eight quarterback hurries and six pass breakups. 

Along with setting the school records for career sacks and tackles for loss. Walker also broke the school single-game record with 6.5 tackles for loss against Tarleton State in 2023.

Walker was named the conference Defensive Player of the Year for three consecutive seasons, once in the Atlantic Sun Conference (2022) and twice in the United Ahtletic Conference (2023, 2024). As a senior, he was recently named the national defensive player of the Year by the FCS Athletic Directors Association, along with numerous All-America honors.

UCA NFL DRAFTEES:
Robert Rochell 2021 4th round, 130th pick, Los Angeles Rams
Larry Hart 2009, 5th round, 143rd pick, Jacksonville Jaguars
Tyree Davis, 1993, 7th round, 176th pick, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Nakita Robertson 1984, 7th round, 179th pick, Chicago Bears
Markell Carter 2011, 6th round, 194th pick, New England Patriots
Tremon Smith 2018 6th round, 196th pick, Kansas City Chiefs
Jacob Ford 2007, 6th round 204th pick, Tennessee Titans
Jonathan Woodard 2016, 7th round, 226th pick, Jacksonville Jaguars
David Henson 1992, 9th Round 229th pick, Phoenix Cardinals
Dezmin Lewis 2015, 7th round, 234th pick, Buffalo Bills
Monte Coleman 1979, 11th round, 289th pick, Washington Redskins
David Burnette 1985, 12th round 312th pick, Indianapolis Colts