Going pro or staying in college? Seniors, TCU football face decisions for 2021 season
TCU linebacker Garret Wallow is embracing the final stages of his college career. He’s excited to face Louisiana Tech on Saturday and play in a bowl game later this month. Maybe he’ll cap his stellar college career by becoming the fourth member of the 300-tackle club in the Gary Patterson era.
But Wallow, who is graduating later this month with a communications degree, has no intentions of returning as a “super senior” in 2021. The NCAA has frozen eligibility for fall athletes, opening the door for them to return next season if they and their respective school agree to it.
Instead, Wallow is ready to pursue a professional career in the NFL next season.
“That’s definitely the plan, even coming into the season,” Wallow said. “But just focusing on this game, getting this one done and that’s what I’m leaning towards.”
Wallow is projected as a potential top-100 pick in next year’s NFL Draft and it makes sense for him to move on. His draft stock likely wouldn’t increase substantially by returning for another season.
But not every senior on TCU’s roster is in Wallow’s position. A few could return for the 2021 season if they want to and the program wants them back.
One senior who is expected to return is defensive tackle Corey Bethley, according to sources. Bethley did not take part in Senior Day ceremonies before the Oklahoma State game last week.
Bethley has been sidelined since sustaining a season-ending injury going into the Baylor game on Oct. 31. He had six tackles, including two for a loss and one sack, in the first five games. Bethley was the team’s active leader in starts with 29.
A couple others who might be interested in returning include receiver JD Spielman and offensive lineman Austin Myers.
Spielman played in only three games, including one start in the opener against Iowa State, before sustaining a season-ending shoulder injury against K-State. He finished with five catches for 56 yards. He also returned seven punts for 80 yards.
Myers played in the first six games, including five starts, but has been out the past three games. He could return for the Louisiana Tech game on Saturday.
When asked about seniors potentially returning next season earlier, TCU coach Gary Patterson refused to speculate.
“I’ve had conversations, but I’m not going to tell you that,” he said earlier this month. “Not because I wouldn’t want to, but I think you’re going to see some of them come back. Some that won’t come back by their choice or our choice. We’re going to have some guys. We’ll have a chance. We’re so young that if everybody stays intact we’re going to have a chance to be a really good football team as we keep growing up.”
Honors for Wallow
Wallow earned notable recognition this week when he was named a semifinalist for the 2020 Lott IMPACT Trophy, which recognizes the nation’s top defensive player in terms of his impact on and off the field.
Wallow leads TCU with 77 tackles this season, and has been active in volunteering in the Fort Worth community as well as his hometown of New Orleans.
“That’s one of my biggest accomplishments,” Wallow said of being a semifinalist. “Having an impact off the field is one of the biggest things I take pride in and being a semifinalist for that is just amazing. I’m just truly blessed and thankful.”
As far as chasing the 300-tackle club, Wallow said: “If it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t. I’m just going to keep playing the way I’m playing with my guys and play together as a defense as a whole. If it happens, it would be very exciting but as long as we win I’m OK.”
Briefly
▪ TCU safety Trevon Moehrig was named a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award (nation’s top defensive player) and Jim Thorpe Award (nation’s best defensive back) this week. Moehrig has two interceptions and nine pass breakups this season.
▪ Defensive end Khari Coleman tops all freshmen nationally with 13.5 tackles for loss. That also ranks second overall in the Big 12.
▪ TCU is 100-8 when rushing for at least 200 yards in the Patterson era, including 5-0 this season.
