Six Northwestern players were named to the All-Big Ten defensive first team when the conference released the squads Monday night.
Walker, a middle linebacker, was named to the first team by both the coaches and media after racking up 113 tackles this season, good enough for fourth in the Big Ten. The sophomore is also tied for the conference lead with 19.5 tackles for loss this season. Walker is the first Northwestern player to be named to the first team since kicker Jeff Budzien in 2013.
Defensive lineman Dean Lowry, a four-year standout for the Wildcats, was named to the second team by both the coaches and media after a stellar senior season.