| A.J. Wallace |
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Cornerback A.J. Wallace is ready to continue the growth and improvement he demonstrated last year, moving into the starting lineup the last four games and delivering numerous big plays in the kicking game. Having made several electrifying plays as a true freshman in 2006 on offense and special teams, Wallace was able to concentrate last season solely on playing corner and returning kickoffs. He and Lydell Sargeant waged a competitive battle at left cornerback throughout the season, with Sargeant earning the starting assignment as the season began. But, throughout the campaign, Wallace gained experience and continued to improve, making his first start in the Senior Day win over Purdue. One of the squad's most highly skilled and quickest players, Wallace is one of the nation's premier kickoff returners and added his name to the Penn State records book last year. His 581 kickoff return yards in 2007 broke the school season record of 522, set by Kenny Watson in 1999. Wallace averaged 26.4 yards on his 22 returns to rank third in the conference, having led during the course of the season. He delivered a 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against Ohio State, the Lions' first kickoff return for a score by a deep returnman since Larry Johnson's 97-yard effort at Illinois in 2001. He has seven kickoff returns of 40 yards or more among his 38 career returns. The hard-working and talented athlete was named a third-team preseason All-American by Phil Steele's 2008 College Football as a kick returner. The former U.S. Army All-American at the McDonough School has made great strides during his initial two seasons and will be counted on for significant contributions the next two years. He is one of seven returning Nittany Lions who were prep standouts in Maryland.
2007 Sophomore Season
Wallace and Lydell Sargeant waged a competitive battle at left cornerback throughout the season, with Sargeant earning the starting assignment as the season began. But, throughout the campaign, Wallace gained experience and continued to improve, making starts in the last four games. Playing in every game, he had 33 tackles (22 solo), with three fumble recoveries, one interception and four pass breakups. Wallace's 581 kickoff return yards broke the school season record of 522, set by Kenny Watson in 1999. Wallace averaged 26.4 yards on his 22 returns to rank third in the conference, having led during the course of the season. He delivered a 97-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against Ohio State, the Lions' first kickoff return for a score by a deep returnman since Larry Johnson's 97-yard effort at Illinois in 2001. Wallace delivered one of his best career performances in the 2007 Valero Alamo Bowl. He made five tackles (three solo), grabbed an interception, and made a crucial fumble recovery in the 24-17 victory over Texas A&M. He hustled to snare a fumble at the Aggies' 11 just before it went out of bounds in the second quarter. On the next play, Daryll Clark burst for the game-tying score. In the 31-10 win over Notre Dame, Wallace delivered a 68-yard kickoff return to open the second half and made a solo tackle. He made three tackles and had a 51-yard return the following week against Buffalo. At Michigan, he had two solo stops and recovered a fumble that led to a field goal. Wallace recorded a career-high five tackles in the win at Indiana and hustled downfield to recover a muffed punt return to set up a field goal. In his first career start at corner, he recorded three tackles and one pass breakup against Ohio State in addition to his TD. In the 31-0 win at Temple, he tied his high with five tackles (four solo). He made four tackles at Michigan State and delivered a 56-yard kickoff return. Wallace was on the field for 652 snaps, topped by 87 against Texas A&M and 84 against Purdue.
2006 Freshman Season
Playing in every game, the electrifying Wallace made an immediate impact, averaging a superb 21.8 yards per touch. The multi-talented athlete played offense, defense and special teams during the course of the season. He was fourth on the squad with 546 all-purpose yards on his 25 touches and was fourth in the Big Ten with a 24.2 kickoff return average on 16 returns. Wallace gained 153 yards rushing on just eight attempts for an outstanding 19.1 average. He saw increased time at cornerback as the season unfolded and made 10 tackles (eight solo). He delivered five plays of 40 or more yards. Entering the season-opener with Akron in the second quarter, he zipped to a 42-yard reverse on his first collegiate snap, setting up a touchdown for a 17-0 lead. Wallace also returned two kickoffs (41 and 54 yards), giving him 137 all-purpose yards in an impressive collegiate debut. Wallace delivered a dazzling 76-yard touchdown on a reverse against Youngstown State and returned the opening kickoff 46 yards against Michigan. At Notre Dame, he ran once for 17 yards on a reverse, made his first career reception for five yards and returned two kickoffs for 26 yards. He made two solo stops against Michigan and returned four kickoffs 89 yards against Illinois, including a 33-yard effort. Wallace returned a kickoff 31 yards against Temple and ended the regular-season with five solo tackles against Michigan State. He was on the field for 211 plays, led by 32 snaps in the Temple game and 30 against the Spartans.
High School
Wallace was a first-team small school all-state selection for Coach David Bradshaw at the McDonough HS. He rushed for 2,100 yards and 28 touchdowns on 220 carries in his career, averaging a superlative 9.5 yards per attempt. He also had three interceptions and returned three kickoffs for touchdowns. He was ranked the No. 6 cornerback in the nation by Scout.com and earned Washington Post first-team All-Met accolades. Wallace was chosen a U.S. Army All-American and played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl with future Nittany Lion teammates Chris Bell, Maurice Evans and Jared Odrick.
Personal
Full name is Anton Dominic Wallace Jr. He is undecided on a major. Born May 23, 1988.
