Four years ago, Levi Wallace was wrapping up his final semester as a senior at Tucson High, and wasn't committed to play college football anywhere -- not even at the junior college level.
After two national championships and three SEC titles with Alabama, Wallace is on a straight path to accomplish a feat only most dream of: becoming an NFL Draft pick.
Wallace first arrived to Tuscaloosa, Alabama in 2014, and only planned to attend Alabama, because his father Walter Lee Wallace Jr. could provide financial aid after a 21-year career in the Air Force. Wallace initially wanted to be a student, but his family urged him to give football another crack.
Wallace joined the team as a walk-on and while the doubters made their presence known, he broke through the unimaginable wall and earned a full-ride scholarship as a student-athlete at Alabama. Yes, Alabama. The program known as the gold standard for college football excellence and a factory of NFL players.
“Everybody told me I couldn’t,” Wallace told the Star in January. “There was motivation. I persisted in it. I listen to the same words, I replay them in my head. Some of those people are my biggest fans. I like that. I enjoy it.”
Reminder: Levi Wallace was a Walk-On #RollTide pic.twitter.com/ir9Q9InMcc
— BuiltBySaban (@BuiltBySaban) January 22, 2018
Now looking ahead to the NFL Draft, Wallace isn't projected to be a high pick, but his mindset for the game makes him an attractive prospect for teams in the late rounds. And notable NFL Draft analysts are taking notice.
"Wallace tested better than many people. He was a former walk-on who Nick (Saban) raves about," ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. said. "I think late in the draft, he's a guy that can make your football team and be a real asset just because of his attitude and approach. That'll be a good thing."
At the draft combine, Wallace ran the 40-yard dash in 4.63 seconds, which was the 33rd best time among defensive backs. He also tabbed 33 inches in the vertical jump, which tied his former Alabama teammate and potential top-five pick Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Where will Wallace land during the draft process? That remains to be seen, but Wallace could be a nice addition to a team even if it means he won't play right away.
As a senior, the 6-foot, 179-pound Wallace earned a starting role on the Crimson Tide defense where recorded 48 tackles and three interceptions and made key plays in the national championship game, including a third down stop in the fourth quarter, which was one of many plays that helped the Crimson Tide in their 13-point comeback.
Before his senior year, he was a scout wide receiver playing against Amari Cooper and ArDarius Stewart in practice and a key member of the special teams unit.
In less than a month, he could become an NFL player when four years ago, college football didn't appear to be an option.
