Anthony Walker Jr. drafted in the fifth round by the Indianapolis Colts

Anthony Walker Jr. is officially an NFL linebacker.

The former Northwestern linebacker was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts with pick No. 161 in the fifth round of the NFL draft on Saturday afternoon.

He is the highest-drafted Northwestern player since Dean Lowry, who went to the Green Bay Packers with the 137th overall pick in the fourth round in 2016.

He is the first Northwestern player ever selected by the Colts.

Walker Jr. moves on to the NFL after an incredibly successful three-year career at Northwestern. After redshirting his freshman year, Walker Jr. burst onto the scene in 2014, recording 51 tackles, 9 TFLs and one incredible pick six against current New York Jets quarterback Christian Hackenberg.

In 2015, Walker Jr. broke out in a big way. The redshirt sophomore finished third in the Big Ten with 120 tackles, racking up a Northwestern record of 19.0 TFLs as well as 4.0 sacks. That was the season that firmly put Walker into NFL discussion.

2016 started a bit slow, as Walker was banged up early, but he still managed to finish 7th in the Big Ten with 105 tackles, 10.0 TFLs and even top 10 in the NCAA with 4 forced fumbles. Now after a total of 36 games, 276 tackles, 38.0 TFLs and 4 interceptions in a Northwestern uniform, Walker will be donning the white and blue in 2017.

COLTS FANS: Make sure to check out our full Anthony Walker Jr. scouting report to learn about your new linebacker.