Mike Wallace: Hits the Big Time

[Coach Schuman]

2009 NUC Registration is Open Online For All Locations, Click Here ... Registration Session are open for 8th, Freshman, Sophomores, and Ju... | 888-NUC-MVP-1 | NationalUnderclassmen.com | The NUC is THE Exclusively SPONSORED combine partner of Rivals.com. Exclusive Interview with NUC and Ultimate 100 Alum Mike Wallace of Good Counsel HS, MD, Committed to Penn State Mike Wallace: Ready for the Big Time by Matt Yanofsky, NUC Correspondent NUC had the opportunity to speak with future Penn State Nittany Lion Defensive Back Mike Wallace. Wallace was a stand out at the combine as well as the Ultimate 100 camp, where he played for the black team. A great all around athlete, Wallace ran a 4.57 40, 4.51 shuttle and had a 31 inch vertical while attending our camp. NUC: Hey Mike Thanks for joining us. What are you up to now that football season is over? A: I am preparing for spring track. NUC: How was the recruiting process for you? A: It started off slowly. I wasn’t getting the offers I wanted until my junior year. I went to many camps that summer and got better so it paid off. It was fun after awhile getting to know the different college coaches. NUC: How did attending the NUC and Ultimate 100 Camps help your recruiting? A: It helped a lot! When I first appeared at the NUC camps, Rivals.Com took notice. At the combine showcase, I didn’t win anything but (NUC president) Dave Schu man told me I did a great job. I was then invited to the Ultimate 100 camp. It was great at the Ultimate 100 camp because of all of the top players I was surrounded by. I played for the black team in the in the 7 on 7 and we beat the white team who was supposed to be superior. NUC: What is like being a part of a great program like Good Counsel? A: It’s great! I am coached by a legend in Bob Milloy. He is one of the most winningest coaches. Good Counsel is competitive in everything. Boys/girls basketball, boys/girls track, lacrosse etc. We are also excelling in academics so everybody is on the same page. We have a ton of people pushing us in the right direction. NUC: Although it is unfortunate, we hear about too many athletes who have academic troubles. This was far from the case with you as you have a 3.5 GPA. How have you been able to balance your busy football schedule wi th your academics? A: That is the first thing you need to learn in High School. My best friend (and fellow NUC standout) Jelani and I compete in the classroom as well. He has a 4.0, I have a 3.5 and if we get a C we get on each other for that since it is unacceptable. I just surround myself with good people who are positive influences. NUC: What are your goals for your athletic career and in life? A: My primary goal is to be successful in anything I do. I will be able to do this by putting God first. I hope to play right away at Penn State and I will work hard in attempting to do so. Outside of football, I want to be a doctor or work in sports management. NUC: What football player do you look up to? A: My cousin Terry Killens played for the Tennessee Titians and went to Penn State so he is my biggest influence. NUC: Is there specific non athlete that has inspired you? A: My mother. She taught me good values and makes sure my head is on straight as well as that I as stay humble. When recruiting wasn’t going the way I wanted, she kept telling me to stay positive since God has a plan for me. NUC: What was the most valuable thing you learned at our camp? A: The importance of academics. The coaches talked about it to us. NUC: Thanks for taking the time to speak with us. We wish you the best of luck at Penn State. Is there anything you would like to add in closing? A: I owe a special thanks to all of my coaches, my parents, godparents, school Principal Jack Grahm, strength coach Skylar Sarr, and Richard Clinkscales who is a personal mentor.