Name: Joseph Wallace
School: Sam Houston State University
Position: DL
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 295
What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
Goals set: To be an all-conference and all american athlete and to lead my team to another national championship. I also set a personal goal to be a better captain than I was the year before.
Goals Accomplished: All-Conference and All-American accolades for the Fall 2022 season, and I accomplished being the best version of a captain and a teammate.
Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?
I took advantage of the extra year of eligibility by spending more time increasing my football IQ, time managing meetings with coaches, meeting with teammates to assist in increasing their knowledge of our defense, and going over various defensive schemes that would lead our team in the best way possible. By spending more time by taking this extra season and using every rep, I knew this would make me a better prospect as a whole, and develop me into the type of teammate that I would want.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
I think my teammates and coaches would describe me as a leader, whether that be in the weight room, on the field, or in the locker room. Leading by example and setting somewhat of a standard of what a leader would be is how I can see them describing me. I also think they would say I am a very passionate football player, that plays violently. I think that coaches would agree that I’m an athlete that has no fear, and would run through a brick wall for my teammates and coaches without question.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
There are 2 things I focus on to improve my game by studying film.
First being my opponent. Picking up on their tendencies . Are they a “full slide” team or do they have a man on man blocking concept? Do their offensive lineman sit in their stance heavy or are they light in their stance and pass? I also analyze their shift in motions to pick up on a rhythm that they are in.Second being myself and ways that I can successfully approach their offense. Checking my pad level, checking my hands, head placement, and gap control are all but a few examples of how I better myself when it comes to studying film.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
I think what separates me are non-measurable components. For example: Passion for the game, work ethic, mindset, and my overall love for the game. When it does come to the measurables, I’m the type of athlete when you cut on film to analyze, you see an athlete that plays with violent hands, you see someone with great pad level, makes the play, and leaves you knowing he comprehended the assignment when it came to doing his job for the team.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
I’m really focused on putting in ample time to ensure I’m ready for pro-day that is coming up. Examples of how I have been preparing for this important day are: training by weight lifting, conditioning, giving my body time to recover, and making sure I’m fueling my body with the appropriate nutrients that it needs to give my all-out effort.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
On the field: My leadership abilities, my character in having passion for the game that will rub off on others in our training atmosphere, and stepping up to be a vocal leader to communicate with my team to leave healthy relationships on the field and in various training sessions.
Off the field: I feel as if off the field I bring forward my passion of faith and being a God fearing man. The love I have for him, can be seen and in some situations influenced and I think personally that is a great attribute to have as a team player. I also focus on doing the small things right to ensure when the big things come I have the integrity to get them done in the same manner.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
My last pitch is that I think I have prepared my mind, body, and soul in various ways to be ready for this opportunity when it presents itself. I know that I’m ready to grind and work for this opportunity to not only better myself as an individual but my teammates and coaches as well. I’m ready to prove that I am more than capable of playing at the next level, and not only playing but making an impact while doing so.
