Written By Adam Aniba
Every draft features a prospect that has gone under the radar, but boasts the skill set to make an immediate impact on the next level.
Kentucky linebacker Trevin Wallace might not have a ton of starting experience, but his speed, athleticism and strength are off the charts.
Trevin Wallace
6'1" 244 lbs | LB | UK
Proj Late 3rd Rd-4th Rd
Career (35 Games)- 166 TAK (93 solo), 18 TFL, 10 SACKS, 3 INTs, 1 PD & 2 FF
2023 (12 Games)- 80 TAK (45 solo), 8.5 TFL, 4.5 SACKS, 1 INTs & 1 FF
Background
Trevin “Dooda” Wallace grew up in Jesup, GA and played two-way football for Wayne County HS. Wallace lined up at every linebacker spot on defense, in addtion to WR, RB, QB and even saw time as a PR and KR.
Wallace lettered all 4 years on the track & field team in the 100- & 200-meter dashes, 110m hurdles, high jump, long jump and shot put.
Wallace broke the Wayne County HS long jump record, which stood for 44 years with a with a jump of 23’ 4.25”. In addition, he won the state weightlifting championship with a power clean of 335 lbs.
As a senior while predominately lining up at outside linebacker, Wallace registered 96 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and 1 interception. He also rushed for 910 yards, 7 touchdowns and registered 79 receiving yards receiving on the year.
He ended his senior season with a bang, rushing for 382 yards and 3 touchdowns in his final high school game.
Wallace was named a 4-star prospect by ESPN and Rivals. The Wayne County linebacker ranked as the nation’s 35th overall prospect and the number #2 inside linebacker in the nation by 247Sports.
The Sports Illustrated All-American and #6 rated overall player in Georgia was highly recruited, particularly by SEC teams.
Wallace ultimately committed to Kentucky, choosing to play for the Wildcats over Ole Miss and Auburn.
As a freshman in '21 Wallace was active in 12 games (1 start vs Miss St.) registering 32 total tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass breakup and 1 quarterback hurry while mostly lining up at outside linebacker.
He was named to the All-SEC Freshman Team for his efforts.
In 2022 Wallace appeared in 12 games (6 starts) recording 54 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 2 interceptions (tied team-high) and 1 QB hurry.
Wallace played like a man possessed vs Missouri, leading all defenders on the day with a season-high 9 total tackles and career-high 2.5 tackles for loss in the win.
Wallace started 12 games in 2023 for Kentucky and was named a team captain. He finished the season with 80 tackles (45 solo), 8.5 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, 1 interception and 1 forced fumble.
The Wildcats linebacker finished the season ranked 13th in the SEC in tackles per game with 6.67 and was named named SEC Defensive Player of the Week (9/4).
In the season opener vs Ball State (9/2) Wallace led all defenders with career-high-tying 12 tackles. He also led Kentucky in tackles with 11 vs Clemson in a narrow 38-35 loss in the Gator Bowl.
In a recent interview with TDN's Justin Melo, Wallace discussed his desire to play middle linebacker on the next level.
"I love being a vocal leader. I love it. That’s my favorite aspect of it. I want my teammates to look up to me and trust me. Having that leadership ability to where people trust you, that means a lot on the football field. Playing the middle linebacker position, we’re the quarterback of the defense".
PROS
Built like a tank, but can fly like a Maserati
Plays with a non-stop motor and has a mean-streak that shows up when playing the run
Deceptively fast with the ability to drop his hips and mirror tight ends, running backs and receivers
Extremely strong & powerful, allows him to easily shed blocks
Versatility to play both WLB & MLB, can even line up on the edge in sub-packages
CONS
Height might concern teams looking for a full-time MIKE linebacker
Only 1 full season as a starter
Needs to cleanup his footwork in his drops and show more decisiveness in coverage
Limited three-year statistical output
Needs to rely on technique, rather than rely on his speed when out of position
Outlook
It's not out of the question for Wallace to play MIKE linebacker on the next level, considering he lined up at multiple spots during his HS and college career. He even covered the slot for the Wildcats and is viewed as a great communicator.
During this week's Senior Bowl practices, Wallace checked in slightly shorter than expected at 6'1" as opposed to 6'2" (Kentucky official site listed).
Although his height could concern some teams, he reportedly surprised many onlookers when he measured in with 33" arms and 79 2/8" wingspan.
Named to Bruce Feldman's annual "Freaks" list and on the Butkus Award Watch List, Wallace has a lot to like. He truly does boast freakish attributes and athletic ability.
Kentucky Sports sat down with Kentucky safety Zion Childress who is enamored with Wallace's ability and athleticism.
“It’s crazy to see. I’ve been around a lot of athletic people, different people in my life, but I can say I’ve never seen anybody that size and that weight move the way Wallace moves. Speed, jumping, pure explosion, it’s crazy to watch. They put him on the list of freaks. Man, if he ain’t the freakiest one, I don’t know who is.”
Clocking in at 22 mph on the GPS (comparable to wide receivers) at 244 lbs is impressive, as is his vertical leap (38.5 inches). Adding brute strength with a power clean of 380 lbs and squats nearly 600 lbs is nuts.
Wallace could see his stock improve, as he's expected to be one of the stars of the NFL Combine if he receives an invite.
*GAMES WATCHED*
9/2/23 vs Ball St., 9/9 vs E.Kentucky, 11/4 vs Miss St., 11/11 vs Alabama, 11/25 vs Louisville & 12/29 vs Clemson (Gator Bowl)
**CLICK CARD BELOW FOR MORE SCOUTING REPORTS**
