Trevin Wallace is a Wildcat

Trevin Wallace made it official on Wednesday when the 4-star linebacker from Wayne County, Georgia signed with Kentucky. He chose UK over Auburn, Ole Miss, and Georgia.

Trevin Wallace is stylistically a new-school linebacker that plays the game of football with an old-school soul. Listed at 6’2, 210-pounds, Wallace plays the off-ball linebacker position with the same speed and fierceness that is on display on any given Sunday in the modern-day National Football League. Refreshingly, he wasn’t a “look at me” recruit that utilized social media as a self-promotional platform. Wallace is all about team. His play on the field illustrated that selflessness trait that will translate well to the collegiate level. He was a three-way star that rarely left the field of play. I recently sat down to objectively evaluate his tape. First of all, I could watch Trevin Wallace play the game of football all day. Secondly, I thought Lynn Bowden Jr.’s film was the most impressive that I’ve analyzed. That was until I watched Wallace. Here are my thoughts:

— Played multiple positions and assumed a plethora of roles for his team. In the modern-day era of specialization, Wallace is the best all-around FOOTBALL PLAYER that I’ve evaluated.

— Listed at 210-pounds. Possesses the lower-body frame to add good weight. Will eventually play at or near 230.

— Playmaker. Played every linebacker position, quarterback, running back, receiver, and was a vibrant kick/punt returner. Made a difference at every positional assignment. Will flourish at Kentucky after settling in on one specific position.

— Scoreboard changer at running back, receiver and returner. Possesses the most varied and effective multi-positional value that I’ve ever evaluated. Ran through, around and over would-be tacklers.

— Proven speed on the track. On-field, top-end speed displayed during long scoring runs as a ball carrier. Does not get caught from behind. Twitchy, has immediate burst and side-to-side explosiveness.

— Natural linebacker. Will take time to learn the position in college, but is physical by nature. Can’t teach the level of effort he gives on every single snap. Can play all four linebacker positions in the 3-4 scheme.

— Dynamic pass rusher from the edge. Often beats blockers by speed and athletic ability. Will need to refine technique.

— Ballistic motor, does not give up on plays. Can be seen on film making tackles and forcing fumbles downfield. Relentless.

— Violent vertical tackler that also makes stops horizontally. Once he declares, Wallace gets to the ball carrier quickly and gets him to the ground.

— Can cover slot receivers and tight ends. Will automatically strengthen pass defense with the capability of being dynamic in coverage.

— Rapid processor. Can identify run or pass quickly and is quick in deciphering the RPO.

— Powerful hand punch against blockers. Speedy to shed then make plays on the football.

— Evidently obvious, Wallace appears to love the game of football.

If you can’t tell, I’m very excited about this linebacker. His college comparison is former Tennessee LB Henry To’o To’o. My NFL comparison is Indianapolis Colt’s LB Darius Leonard. To be perfectly clear, I’m not saying that Wallace will be as good as To’o To’o or Leonard. But, I am saying his game reminds me of both.

WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN?

I’ve watched hours upon hours of football tape throughout the years. I’ve never been more impressed with a player like I was when evaluating Trevin Wallace. There have been a handful of players that were better at a specific position. However, none excelled at such a high level at so many roles on a football team than Wallace. The playmaker could be recruited as a running back, defensive back, returner or linebacker. His position is Football Player.

I’m old school. I enjoy watching high school players that play multiple positions and sports. Wallace is special. He’s dynamic. What position will he play in college? I’d say a linebacker position but it’s difficult to say exactly which one. Wallace could play all four linebacker positions in the 3-4 scheme and do so at a high level.

Mark Stoops got a dandy. Trevin Wallace plays the game of football as it is intended to be played. His efforts on the field is respectful to the sport. UK landed a great high school player, but it also signed an Alpha-Dog competitor that will force his way into the rotation in a rapid manner.

Remember this day. Remember this day.