Interview: Versatile 3-Star 2020 Arkansas LB Catrell Wallace is a Next Level Impact Player

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Thanks to dynamic athletes like Catrell Wallace, the style of play for defenses are changing from the NFL to high school ranks. Wallace is that rare all-around versatile athlete capable of stuffing the run as a middle linebacker, covering as an outside backer, coming off the edge as an end, and dropping back into coverage as an emergency safety. The Class of 2020 three-star recruit is a true rare breed defender on the field which is drawing national recruiting to his yard.

Wallace was all over the field for Bryant High School during the 2018 season helping the Hornets to an 11-2 record that included an Arkansas 7A state championship. The championship run for Wallace included 79 tackles, two sacks, three blocked kicks, three tackles for a loss, three QB hurries, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

When the season was completed, the 6-6, 210-pound, play-maker had earned second team All-State honors, first team All-Conference, and was named to the 2018 USA Today All-Arkansas squad. Other honors have come as well in the form of scholarship offers. To date, Arkansas, Arkansas State, and Virginia want him on their squad.

In an RNG exclusive, I sat down with one of the Natural State’s top 2020 players to learn more about his game and recruiting prospects.

Interview

Catrell, your role on Bryant’s defense was very unique. From watching game film, I get the idea that depending on the team and situation you were asked to do different things. In your own words, what was your role on the Hornets’ defense during the 2018 season?

“My role was mainly to make big plays. How I did it depended on the position the coaches had me play. If we were playing against a team that did a lot of outside runs I was at outside linebacker. They would move me to middle linebacker on third downs and I played safety the last couple of seconds before half or at the end of the game to knock down passes or to make sure we did not give up a long touchdown.”

That leads well into my next question. I got you lining up at middle linebacker, outside linebacker, defensive end, strong safety, nickelback, and possibly rover… what am I missing?

“No, that’s it.”

You didn’t drive the bus as well?

(Laughs) “No, sir.”

How did you prepare each week for all the different positions you played?

“I would go with the different coaches for each position and spend the practice with that coach doing what they asked me to do.”

Given all that you did, how did your overall game improve?

“I feel like I got more aggressive and I learned to play at a quicker speed. As time went on, I grew to recognize plays faster. I got better at my recollection of plays from film study and knew what was coming from their formations.”

Of all the positions, which is your favorite to play?

“Outside linebacker by far.”

Will your role stay the same during your senior year?

“I might play some tight end in certain packages and I might play receiver on jump ball plays. I am one of the tallest guys on the team, I can go up and get it. On defense, I will play more defensive end, but other than that it will all stay the same.”

What will be the focus of your offseason workouts?

“My bench max and overall strength, gaining more weight, getting faster, and improving my footwork.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest but have not offered yet?

“Memphis – they have talked to me a lot, Alabama has sent me game invites and a Christmas card, Mississippi State, and Louisiana Tech showed a lot of interest during the season. Mizzou (Missouri) spoke with me during the season as well.”

Which schools have given you an offer?

“Arkansas, Arkansas State, and Virginia.”

Nice. Was Arkansas your first offer?

“Yes, sir.”

That first offer, what was it like getting that offer from the home state Power 5 Conference program?

“It surprised me. I did not expect it. Coach Barry Lunney (tight ends) told me they had been watching film and keeping up with me for a while. I had no idea.”

Which schools have you visited so far?

“I have visited TCU and taken a couple to Arkansas.”

How did the Arkansas visits go overall?

“They were good. A lot of coaches talked to me and made me feel welcomed. I felt comfortable there. I also talked to some of the players, took pictures – they have been good visits.”

Do you have any planned scheduled?

“I am going to Arkansas on Feb. 23 for a Junior Day and maybe to Memphis on Feb. 9 for their Junior Day.”

Are you playing any other sports for Bryant?

“Yes, sir. I am playing basketball.”

How is basketball going?

“It is going good so far. We are 10-3.”

Have you gotten a poster dunk on anyone yet?

(Laughs) “No, not yet.”

Last couple of fun questions but back on football. You unleashed some really big hits last season, was there ever an opposing offensive player that asked you to take it easy?

“Nope, not that I know of.”

Which play of yours in 2018 was your favorite?

“It was in the Salt Bowl at the end of second quarter on go route, I laid him out. I also had one in the championship game, I laid him out on a slant.”

You are too young to remember, but that hit you had on the slant reminded me of a hit former Texas A&M linebacker Quentin Coryatt put on a TCU receiver. It was devastating. If you were asked by a college coach which game of yours from the 2018 season they should watch to see all that you can do on the field, which game would you recommend?

“Have to think about it… maybe the Conway or second Fayetteville game in the playoffs.”

Last question, and it is a big one. How many opposing offensive players quit the sport after you hit them last year?

(Laughs) “I don’t know. I am guessing a couple.”

Catrell, it was great mixing it up today. Thank you for your time.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Wallace family; Catrell Wallace at Arkansas (2018)