This is a weekly article series examining the development of one Alabama Football player. Last week, the player chosen was junior linebacker, Jamey Mosley. This week, the player chosen is senior cornerback Levi Wallace.
In week one, Trevon Diggs was Alabama’s starting cornerback alongside Anthony Averett, and Levi Wallace was his backup. However, due to mistakes against Florida State by Diggs, Wallace took over at corner, and never looked back. Levi Wallace has made Alabama football much better.
Fast forward to week six of the season, Wallace is considered one of the SEC’s top corners and could possibly become an All-American by seasons end. Surely, Coach Saban was just trying to create a spark when he inserted Wallace into the game. But no one saw THIS coming from Levi Wallace.
With five games down into the season, Wallace leads the SEC with three interceptions. He accounts for 6 pass deflections, which is tied for sixth in the conference, and 9 passes defended, which ranks seventh nationally.
Wallace is also responsible for the Tide’s lone defensive touchdown this season. He scored on an interception return against Ole Miss, his second interception of the game.
Tide teammates, current and former, are excited about the success of the player they nicknamed “The Technician”:
"“He’s come a long way for us, and he’s doing a great job for us. He keeps getting better week to week and it shows.” — Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick"
Put Levi on the Thorpe list
— marlonhumphrey.eth (@marlon_humphrey) October 1, 2017
From Walk-On to Star
Wallace, a Tucson, Arizona prospect with zero offers, walked on at Alabama in 2014. His father is from the area of Tuscaloosa, so he knew the area well from family visits.
Wallace gave up the dream of playing football until his father convinced him to walk on to Alabama. He was able to do so using the GI Bill because of his father’s military service.
Levi’s father died the morning of A-day in 2014 from ALS.
Wallace isn’t a stranger to how Nick Saban develops his players, especially defensive backs:
"“I’ve always believed in my abilities. Coach Saban does a great job of developing players, walk-ons and five-stars as well. So, hats off to him; all glory goes to him. You never know, you just hope to work hard and be the best you can be, and things just happened to work out.”"
Next: Alabama Football: Is Aggies Coach Sumlin afraid of Minkah Fitzpatrick?
Next week, we will examine the development of another Alabama football player on their path to becoming a routine contributor and/or better overall player for the Tide. Connect with us on Facebook and share your thoughts on which player’s development is vital for the 2017 Alabama football team.