“I'm looking forward to it,” said Wallace, who signed an agent from the Hawaii-based Maximum Sports Agency. “It (playing professional football) has always been a dream of mine. I'm going to stay focused, stay humble and go after my dream 100 percent.”

Lyall said teams are legitimately interested in Wallace.

“It's a great honor and huge opportunity for a Lenawee County kid,” he said. “He really has an opportunity to show he belongs.”

From what he has heard, Wallace could get drafted on the second day of the NFL draft (April 29), or could be signed as a free agent. Regardless, Wallace would like to get in a camp and show people he can play and make a name for Adrian College.

“People get the perception that because you're from a small school, you can't play at the next level,” he said. “I want to change that. I want people to know you can do what you want to in life. That is motivation for me to go out there and perform and show I have the ability to play.”

Klotz, Adrian's defensive coordinator, believes Wallace has the desire and hunger to compete at the next level. In a recent call with an NFL scout, Klotz expressed that Wallace has what it takes mentally to succeed.

“He is a strong-minded player, and if he gets his shot, he will show someone that he won't let them down.”

Wallace ended his career as Adrian College's all-time leader in tackles with 429 - besting the previous record held by Rob Vujaklija by 140. He also is the all-time leading tackler in NCAA Division III history as he averaged 13.4 tackles a game during his career.

He had 138 tackles last fall and was named a First Team All-American. Wallace, who also had 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks during his senior season, was also named First Team All-MIAA for the third straight year. Following the season, Wallace was able to showcase his abilities for professional scouts when he played in the East Coast and Magnolia bowl games.

Scouts have been impressed with Wallace's ability to tackle in the open field and his sideline-to-sideline speed, but wanted to see him have a more fluid motion in his hips and work on dropping back in pass coverage. They also wanted to see him become more physical, which is an area Lyall said Wallace improved on last fall.

“I think those who had the opportunity to see him liked the progress he made,” Lyall said.

While Wallace has been busy preparing for the next level, he has been appreciative and thankful of the support he has received from the Adrian College coaching staff, especially Lyall, Klotz, Carl Embry and Mike Duffy. Wallace said many others, including people at Madison High School, have also been instrumental to his development and success.

“I have a great relationship with those people and they're the reason I am where I am in life,” Wallace said of the bonds he formed in his two years at Madison. “I'm going to go out there and do my best to accomplish this goal.

“I know the road isn't easy, but with that said, I know I have to go out there and separate myself.”