Trevin Wallace on the Butkus Award Watch List

Trevin Wallace has carried high expectations on his broad shoulders for two years. Entering year three, he’s ready to deliver.

The former blue chip Kentucky linebacker is on the Butkus Award Watch List. Wallace is one of 51 players nominated for the award that is given annually to the top linebacker in college football. The 51 nominations are a salute to the No. 51 Butkus wore during his Hall of Fame career.

The award semifinalists are expected to be named Oct. 30 with finalists to follow Nov. 20. The winner will be named on or before Dec. 6. Appearing on the watch list is not a requirement to win the award. The Butkus Award ceremony will be broadcast on BTN in January of 2024.

Trevin Wallace was a Top 50 player in the country when he signed with Kentucky in the spring of 2021. Hailing from Jesup, Ga., the do-it-all athlete learned he could do just that shortly after stepping on campus. The reserve inside linebacker produced an unforgettable Kroger Field crowd pop with an historic play, receiving a blocked field goal by Josh Paschal and returning it for a touchdown.

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Trevin Wallace still has room to grow

After playing a specialized role as a true freshman, Trevin Wallace was asked to carry a heavier workload last fall when DeAndre Square suffered an injury that sidelined him for more than a month. The true sophomore picked up the super senior’s slack and almost led the team in tackles. He finished the year with 54 tackles, 5.5 for loss and 2.5 sacks in six starts.

He’s already had success, but defensive coordinator Brad White believes there’s still plenty of room to grow.

“He’d be the first one to admit it. Now it’s about playing the linebacker position, not just being a great athlete and running around. He’s really starting to hone his eyes. It’s the nitty-gritty details,” White said Thursday morning. “I’ve been pleased with his hand use, taking on blockers. He’s been more physical, which you need to be in our defense. His understanding of our defense — when I talk to him about scheme, big picture stuff, he can visualize it. That’s a big thing and he’s got that ability to not have to see it on a white board. I can just describe something that’s happening and he can autocorrect from there.

“Those are the things you need him to improve upon. It’s just that linebacker position. You saw it through spring and you can see it here in fall camp, there’s a comfortability right now to how he’s playing the game, which allows him to play fast. When Trevin’s playing fast, it’s a different level of speed.”