FAYETTEVILLE — Tavion Wallace may be more reserved than flashy, but there’s one area where he confidently speaks up: his football skills.
The 6-foot-1, 240-pound linebacker—the highest-rated freshman signee in Arkansas’ 2025 class—doesn’t hesitate when asked about what sets him apart on the field.
“I bring speed,” Wallace said, pointing to his career-best 100-yard dash time of 10.6 seconds. “I don’t like to brag, but that’s something I stand by—my speed—because I like to be the fastest. I ran track all the way up until this year. So with my speed, my versatility, my size, how long my arms are—I feel like I can do it all. I thank God I can do it all.”
The Razorbacks certainly feel fortunate to have landed Wallace, a four-star prospect pursued by Georgia, Georgia Tech, and multiple SEC schools. Arkansas defensive coordinator Travis Williams had a longstanding connection with Wallace’s family, having previously recruited his older brother, Trevin—a standout linebacker at Kentucky now with the NFL’s Carolina Panthers.
“Coach T-Will and I go way back,” Wallace said. “He’s known my family since my brother was committed to him at Auburn. He kept that relationship with me since I was in middle school. When I came on my official visit last year and met Coach Pitt (Sam Pittman), I told my mom, ‘This is the place to be.’”
Andrew Waters, linebackers coach at Appling County (Ga.) High School, said Arkansas landed a special talent in Wallace, who transferred from Wayne County High for his final season.
“Tavion is one of the most gifted athletes I’ve ever been around,” Waters said. “He can take over a game at any moment. He’s not just a great player—he’s an awesome kid.”
Waters compared Wallace to former Georgia and NFL star Todd Gurley in terms of raw athleticism.
“He’s 6-2, 225, and lightning fast,” Waters said. “If I had to compare him to someone, it’d be Todd Gurley—big, explosive, and fast. He’s a freak, in a good way.”
Wallace’s impact went beyond stats. After a rocky 2-2 start, he helped lead Appling County to the Class AA semifinals in Georgia.
“He basically changed our season,” Waters said. “His personality is contagious. His energy, his smile, his attitude—he lifted everyone. I’ve never been around a kid who could inspire like that.”
This spring, Wallace impressed Arkansas coaches while working behind veterans Xavian Sorey, Stephen Dix, and Bradley Shaw.
“I really like Wallace,” Coach Pittman said. “He’s made a lot of plays. I think he’ll help us in a lot of ways—especially on special teams. That’s how a lot of guys get their start: they make plays, and soon enough, they’re in the rotation.”
Williams echoed that praise during spring practices.
“He’s doing some really good things,” Williams said. “Getting spring reps before summer gives guys a big head start. He looks like a true SEC linebacker—has the size, the length, and he’s smart. Great kid off the field, too.”
When asked if he had a “welcome to the SEC” moment this spring, Wallace paused before sharing a story.
“I wouldn’t say anything crazy happened, but when I got here, T-Will threw me in with the ones right away,” he said. “It was fast. Braylen (Russell) was running it, Taylen (Green) was throwing it, Raylen Sharpe was catching passes—and they were going full tempo. In high school, we didn’t move like that. I thought, ‘Yeah, we’re really in the SEC now.’”
Spring ball was an eye-opener, Wallace said, particularly in learning to play with urgency and understanding the playbook.
“When I got here, I was slow to react. I had speed, but I had to adjust,” he said. “I came in at 210, now I’m almost 240. I’ve kept my speed, added weight, and improved my football IQ. In high school it was just, ‘See ball, get ball.’ Now I have to know everything. I’ve grown in every part of my game—on and off the field.”
He credited the older linebackers for helping him transition smoothly.
“Spring was great. I learned so much from guys like Sorey, Dix, and Shaw. Even though Shaw’s young, his mindset is like a vet. Coming early was the best decision—I’ve learned a lot.”
And when it comes to speed in that linebacker room?
“Yeah, don’t tell him I said it,” Wallace said with a grin, “but I think I’m the fastest.”
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