Trevin Wallace is catching more than just interceptions for the Carolina Panthers this summer.
The rookie linebacker also keeps catching eyes, as he continued to wreak havoc at practice on Tuesday. After picking off New York Jets quarterback and four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers in last week’s joint session, Wallace made Panthers backup Andy Dalton pay early this morning . . .
Another one for Trevin pic.twitter.com/N7FMjok8eU
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) August 20, 2024
Head coach Dave Canales was asked about his third-round pick after today’s outing.
“I think he’s just a natural football player, first and foremost,” Canales told reporters. “And while he still has a ways to go—learning the scheme and doing all that—when he’s comfortable, he’s big and he’s fast and he’s got great hands. And that’s such a rare combination at the inside linebacker spot.”
Starting quarterback Bryce Young, who has had to deal with Wallace during practice this summer, talked about the talented 21-year-old as well.
“Going against Trevin throughout camp knowing that windows that may seem big or may seem open—he can get there, he can close ’em, he can get a hand on the ball, he can go pick the ball off, he can go sideline to sideline really well,” Young stated. “I think running backs and linemen up front will tell you the same thing—knowing who can play sideline to sideline.
“So it’s definitely something you have to take into account. I’m glad he’s on our team, for sure. He makes it difficult on a lot of things we want to do.”
While relatively stout, the Panthers defense lacked mightily in the big play department last season—finishing with a league-low 11 takeaways.
In his final two years at the University of Kentucky, Wallace recorded a total of three picks—so the proof (and potential) is in the pudding.
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