FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas got its 16th commitment of the 2020 class and a third in-state pledge when Bryant linebacker/defensive end Catrell Wallace announced his intent to be a Razorback on Sunday.
Wallace (6-6, 212), received an offer from Arkansas in September of 2018 and chose the Razorbacks over Oklahoma State, Nebraska, Virginia, Houston, Arkansas State, Louisiana Tech and Louisiana-Monroe.
“It’s been a dream for my family and they're a good school and they have a good athletic program and good academics and my family wants me to go there and I want to go there," Wallace said. "I love the coaches. They treat me like family.”
Wallace's chief recruiter was Arkansas tight ends coach Barry Lunney Jr.
“Since the beginning he’s always texted me every day to see how things are going," Wallace said. "Seeing how school was going, making sure I was doing well in school. I just really appreciate it.”
He is happy to have his commitment out of the way so he can now focus on his senior season, which began with a 42-14 win over rival Benton Friday night in the Salt Bowl at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.
“It’s a relief just to be able to know I have my college paid for and my grandparents don’t have to worry about it," Wallace said.
Bryant coach Buck James is impressed with how Wallace has become a leader for his program, which won a Class 7A state championship in 2018.
"Catrell has work hard to be a leader on and off the field," James said. "He has matured and grown as player and student greatly the past two years. He has unbelievable skills and at 6-6 he moves and runs better every year.
"As Catrell puts on the right weight with the right muscle he will be a great force on the football field. I really like the way Catrell has matured into the player and difference maker I always thought he could be. "
Jonesboro defensive end Jashaud Stewart (6-2, 224) and Hazen defensive end Blayne Toll (6-6, 244) are other in-state 2020 prospects committed to the Razorbacks.
The addition of Memphis Central athlete Darin Turner (6-4, 215) on Friday and Wallace on Sunday bumped Arkansas up to 24th in both the 24/7 and Rivals team rankings.
Wallace feels very fortunate to have an opportunity to continue his football career.
“Lot of people don’t get the opportunity to do that and being one of those people is a blessing," Wallace said.
Wallace had 79 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 3 quarterback hurries, 1 forced fumble, 1 recovered fumble and 2 pass breakups as a junior and 35 tackles and 3 sacks as a sophomore.
Wallace will be looked at as both a linebacker and defensive end at Arkansas.
“I’m going to play like a hybrid, so D-end/linebacker," Wallace said. "I’m good with that as long as I get to play.”
Wallace was also a key cog in Bryant’s state runner-up finish in basketball. The Hornets lost to Fort Smith Northside in the championship game.