Abraham Wallace
Defensive Back
West Alabama
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Abraham Wallace: I am 5’11, 205 pounds and I run in the 4.45 range.
Alex Khvatov: Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?
Abraham Wallace: At Michael Johnson Performance in Texas. We have about 30 guys here this year.
Alex Khvatov: When is your Pro Day?
Abraham Wallace: On March 22nd at LSU.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Abraham Wallace: I am originally from Baton Rouge. I played basketball before. I only started playing football my junior year of high school. I tore my ACL towards the end of my senior year.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose LSU?
Abraham Wallace: They stuck with me despite the ACL tear. They showed that they wanted me. They are also my hometown team.
Alex Khvatov: Tell us about your career at LSU.
Abraham Wallace: When I first got there, I began rehabbing. When it was time to go to next year’s camp as a redshirt FR, I got the physical and it showed that my ACL never healed. I needed surgery again. I missed another year. As a redshirt sophomore, I worked myself into the starting role and played special teams. I graduated college in three years. I started to look at other options. I decided to transfer. I wanted to have a bigger role.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you decide to transfer to Texas Tech?
Abraham Wallace: A former coach from LSU was there. It was a good opportunity. I thought that their defense might have needed help. It is a league that passes the ball a lot. I knew that I could get on the field early. I got there a week before the season started. I began playing and sprained the ankle in practice. I was out for a couple of weeks. A walk-on player who was behind me stepped in and started performing well. He took my spot. I spent the full year there. I even stayed for the spring. I was looking to get an opportunity. They stuck with the guys that played the year before.
Alex Khvatov: How did you wind up at West Alabama?
Abraham Wallace: I wasn’t too familiar with D-II football. Tevin Madison was a teammate of mine at Texas Tech. He transferred to West Alabama and told me what a great program it was. I talked to the coaches and took a visit. I felt like it was the best spot for me during my final year.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Abraham Wallace: I am one of the smartest players on the field. I got a 27 on my ACT. I graduated in three years. Any one of my coaches at different schools would tell you that Abraham is one of the smartest players on the field. I am a hard worker. I also bring the physical traits. I have the size, speed and agility.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Abraham Wallace: Improve on film study, technique and overall athleticism. Everything can use improvement.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your final season at West Alabama.
Abraham Wallace: At Texas Tech and LSU, I was a nickel corner. I had to play safety at West Alabama. It was a new position for me. I played nickel, safety and special teams. I started that final year. I worked on my craft my whole college career. I finally got to show those things my final season.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Abraham Wallace: Catching an INT during my first game at West Alabama. I will also remember playing at Tiger stadium my first time.
Alex Khvatov: What is your biggest accomplishment in college that you are most proud of?
Abraham Wallace: Graduating in three years. It speaks volumes. I was injured the first two years, but I put that extra energy in the classroom.
Alex Khvatov: What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?
Abraham Wallace: I learned attention to detail at LSU. We paid attention to the smallest things day in and day out. At Texas Tech, I learned to give that extra effort. At West Alabama, the coaches told me to believe in myself. Believe in your preparation, hard work and just go out there and play.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Abraham Wallace: If I had to pick a team, it would be the Cardinals. Aeneas Williams is my uncle and he played for them. My dad was a safety for the Cardinals. His name is Sean Wallace and he played for them for a year.
Alex Khvatov: What advice have you received from your father and uncle about the NFL?
Abraham Wallace: They tell me that you have to stay grounded. Believe in yourself. Work hard and put faith in God.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Abraham Wallace: Tyrann Mathieu.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a DB?
Abraham Wallace: Focus on your technique. It is not like other positions on the field. There is a small room for error. You have to be mentally strong.
Alex Khvatov: Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the offense?
Abraham Wallace: First thing, I look at the personnel, then formation and splits. Then I look at the down and distance.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?
Abraham Wallace: Christian Saulsberry is a slot WR. Bailey Blanchard is an outside WR. #9 DE Terrence Jones is a freak of nature. I have never seen anyone that fast. No one can block him. He has great raw athleticism. He came from JUCO. He only played in one game last year. He got hurt celebrating. He tore his ACL this year. He is 6’5 and runs a 4.4.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the toughest player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Abraham Wallace: J.J. Watt’s younger brother (T.J. Watt). I played against him on special teams.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Abraham Wallace: I enjoy film study. Looking at formations during those sessions. It is a big puzzle. You put it altogether by running 60 or 70 plays on the field. I am always chasing perfection. I want to do this right. I make sure that I am in the right position all the time.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Abraham Wallace: Playing chess.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Abraham Wallace: I want to find a way and give back to my city. I want to be an inspiration to people that have been in a similar situation as me. Career wise, I have a business degree. I haven’t looked into it. I want to make the world better.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Abraham Wallace: Determined, intelligent, passionate, hardworking and reliable.
