Tylan Wallace is the Big 12’s leading receiver. How’d he get out of TCU’s backyard?
TCU football got in the recruiting game too late for Tylan Wallace.
Wallace had a standout career at Fort Worth South Hills, finishing with 3,760 yards receiving and 48 touchdowns over his high school playing days, and the Frogs were interested in him.
But they didn’t recruit Wallace’s twin brother, Tracin, and the duo ended up bolting TCU’s backyard for Oklahoma State.
“It was him and his brother, so we don’t really do [two at a time],” TCU coach Gary Patterson said. “It was late enough we had already done it and they had already committed before we really got into it.”
Well, it’s worked out for Wallace and OSU just fine. Although Tracin battled injuries and is no longer on the Cowboys’ roster, Tylan has become one of the best receivers in the country.
TCU is expected to get another first-hand look on Saturday as it travels to Oklahoma State. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. at Boone Pickens Stadium.
But Wallace reportedly left Wednesday’s practice with a knee injury and the extent of the injury is unknown at this point.
If Wallace isn’t able to go, it’ll be a blow to the Cowboys.
Wallace, a junior, is leading the Big 12 with 903 yards receiving on 53 receptions. Eight of those receptions have turned into touchdowns.
This comes on the heels of a sensational sophomore season. Wallace posted 1,491 yards receiving and 12 TDs in 2018.
“He’s a really good player,” Patterson said. “It doesn’t matter what you see or how it goes, I’ve watched him enough last year to understand what kind of player he is. As usual, Oklahoma State always has good wide receivers. Not just him, they’ve had a couple.”
TCU has consistently been among the top pass defenses in the country. The Frogs rank third in the Big 12, allowing 201 yards passing through seven games.
Last season, TCU limited Wallace to 64 yards on four catches. But Wallace continues to improve.
He’s on pace for another 1,000-yard season even though Oklahoma State quarterback Spencer Sanders is in his first year under center.
“He’s playing really well for us,” Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy said of Wallace. “He’s a really quality young man. Very humble. Extremely hard worker, takes everything serious. He gets better and better.
“He continues to improve. He’s got a lot of work ahead of him — route running, skill wise, different things — but his attitude and competitiveness is awesome.”
This story was originally published October 31, 2019 at 7:00 AM.
