Florida State's DeMarcus Walker named ACC Defensive Player of Year

Florida State defensive end DeMarcus Walker was named the 2016 Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year on Wednesday.

Walker, from Jacksonville, Fla., returned for his senior season with a goal of reaching 15 sacks, a feat he accomplished with a pair against Florida in the Seminoles' 31-13 victory Saturday night.

Walker ended the regular season as Florida State's leader in tackles (64), sacks (15), tackles for loss (17.5), fumbles forced (3) and fumble recoveries (2). His 15 sacks are tied with Boston College's Harold Landry for the national lead and are third-most in a season in FSU history. Walker's 27.5 career sacks are also third in school history.

Walker garnered 23 of the 48 votes cast by the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association, beating Pittsburgh defensive lineman Ejuan Price (9) and Clemson linebacker Ben Boulware (5).