Carolina Panthers select Trevin Wallace in third round of 2024 NFL Draft

Kentucky linebacker Trevin Wallace has found his NFL home. He was just selected by the Carolina Panthers with the No. 72 overall pick in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

The former Wildcat spent just three years in college, producing a terrific 2023 season that he was able to parlay into a spot in the NFL. He was a dependable piece of the Kentucky defense all three seasons he was there, appearing in 11 games as a true freshman before playing in 12 each of his last two seasons.

As a true freshman, Wallace waited in the wings behind other star upperclassmen in the LB room, but he was featured on special teams, where his athleticism was a major asset. He totaled 32 tackles that season, but there was one play in particular that seared his name in UK lore for life.

In the third quarter during Kentucky’s 2021 game against Florida, the Gators attempted a field goal that was blocked by Josh Paschal and then caught by Trevin Wallace, who stampeded all the way back for a Wildcat touchdown to swing momentum in UK’s favor, ultimately leading to the team’s first home victory over Florida since 1986.

Really, it’s one of the all-time Kentucky football highlights:

59 days until the season begins for Kentucky Football. Nobody will ever forget the blocked field goal by Josh Paschal, leading to Trevin Wallace to run it back for a touchdown! @WallaceTrevin #BBN pic.twitter.com/73cWuSrxbp

— Chris Beasmore (@CBeasmoreSports) July 5, 2023

Wallace didn’t produce highlights of such excitement in his final two years ,but he was an impactful starter and playmaker for Brad White’s group. He totaled 54 tackles in 2022 and then 80 in 2023 along with 5.5 sacks.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Trevin Wallace

Wallace’s athleticism certainly raised the eyebrows of NFL scouts and made him an appealing draft pick this season, now that he has a full year of starter-level production under his belt in the SEC. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein touted the Kentucky linebacker’s physical traits but dos have questions elsewhere.

You can read his scouting report from before the draft right here:

“Height-weight-speed prospect with explosive physical traits but major issues with consistency. Wallace looks the part and can run and hit when he’s locked in. However, he struggles to diagnose plays and execute his responsibilities at a standard NFL level. Teams will like the traits and his potential to play special teams, but he will need to prove he can play with better instincts and recognition to make it in the pros.”

A young kid and superb athlete that still has plenty to learn. Here’s to a long and fruitful pro career for Mr. Wallace.