By: UCA Athletic Communications

CONWAY, Ark. (www.ucabears.com) -- 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 in the 2025 NFL Draft. He becomes the second UAC player drafted in the league's two-year history joining 2024 7th-round selection Josiah Ezirim (EKU) by the New Orleans Saints.

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.

ALL-TIME UAC NFL DRAFT PICKS
2024 - Josiah Ezirim (EKU) 6-6, 329, OT | New Orleans Saints
2025 - David Walker (Central Arkansas) 6-2, 260, Edge | Tampa Bay Buccaneers