Trevin Wallace may be Kentucky's "next great linebacker"

Has Kentucky found its next superstar linebacker? Freshman standout Trevin Wallace may follow in the footsteps of Josh Allen and Jamin Davis as first-round draft picks, according to On3’s Matt Zenitz.

In a recent rundown of growing buzz within the SEC, Zenitz highlighted Wallace as a player separating himself early in camp not only as an impact freshman, but a future star. By looks of things, the four-star standout has true first-round potential.

“One college team other than LSU has produced two first-round NFL draft picks at linebacker in the past three years — Kentucky. And it seems like the Wildcats may have found their next great talent at linebacker,” said Zenitz. “Four-star freshman linebacker Trevin Wallace, who ranked No. 41 in On3’s 2021 player rankings, has been as advertised since arriving at Kentucky this summer, based on feedback shared with On3.”

With Ole Miss linebacker transfer Jacquez Jones nursing an injury, Wallace has reportedly stepped up a major way. As a result, expectations are high not only in the long term, but going into his freshman campaign, as well.

“(He) impressed through summer workouts, continues to flash and impress through the early part of fall camp and appears ready to make an immediate impact for the Wildcats’ defense,” said Zenitz. “Wallace has been working with Kentucky’s first-team defense at inside linebacker, next to returning starter and team captain DeAndre Square.”

Wallace, a consensus four-star prospect out of high school, chose Kentucky over the likes of Auburn, LSU, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. The top-50 prospect is the second-highest defensive recruit to sign with Kentucky since Mark Stoops arrived in Lexington.

As a senior at Wayne County High School (Jesup, Ga.), Wallace played and starred on both sides of the football. Overall, the 6-foot-2 prospect played receiver, running back, quarterback, multiple linebacker spots, and returned punts and kicks as a senior. Defensively, he totaled 96 tackles, 12.0 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception. Offensively, he finished with 78 rushes for 910 yards and seven touchdowns, and 10 catches for 79 receiving yards.

What will the standout linebacker do in year one as a Wildcat? Expectations are high that he’ll be a high-impact player sooner rather than later.