Trevin Wallace developing as a playmaking presence   

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Carolina Panthers rookie linebacker Trevin Wallace has flashed playmaking ability throughout training camp and preseason.

Trevin Wallace didn’t enter the NFL alone.

The Carolina Panthers’ rookie linebacker met veteran Shaq Thompson “as soon as I was drafted,” he said. The friendship quickly evolved into mentorship.  Soon after, it was a bond.

“Like, I love that man,” Wallace said after Thursday practice at the practice fields behind Bank of America Stadium. “Shaq sees things: ‘Hey, do this better.’ Shaq has been a mentor since the day I was drafted.”
Over the summer, Wallace hung out at Thompson’s house, “just talkin’ it up,” Wallace, 21, said. He laughed when asked if they played video games.

“I think he’s too old for video games,” Wallace said about his 30-year-old mentor with nine years’ NFL experience.

Maturing into on-field role

Over his first weeks as a Panther, Wallace’s decision-making appeared lagging. The third-round draft pick from Kentucky reached out and received ample assistance from proven performers.

Not only was Thompson on speed dial, but Wallace also embraced help from former Panthers linebackers Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis, who added their voices while reviewing game video.

While Carolina coach Dave Canales said Wallace likely would start the regular season as a rotational middle linebacker, Canales is aware of the benefits Wallace could absorb by playing behind Thompson and seven-year veteran Josey Jewell.  

With Thompson playing in the final year of his contract, the Panthers’ brass view Wallace as a future starter in the middle of the Panthers’ 3-4 base defense.

“I think he’s just a natural football player, first and foremost,” Canales said. “And while he still has a ways to go, learning the scheme and doing all that, when he’s comfortable, he’s big and he’s fast and he’s got great hands.  

“And that’s such a rare combination at the inside linebacker spot.”

Searching for defensive playmakers

Wallace showed off his hands during the Panthers-New York Jets joint practice Aug. 15, intercepting four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers. Five days later, he picked off teammate Andy Dalton. The Panthers’ defense, despite finishing a league-worse 2-15, remained relatively stout, placing fourth in yards allowed per game (293.9). But they created only 11 takeaways – eight of them interceptions.  

For the Panthers, who have not qualified for the playoffs since 2017, to contend in the wide-open NFC South, the defenders need to force turnovers. Wallace collected three interceptions during his final two seasons at Kentucky.

In his second preseason outing against the Jets on Aug. 17, Wallace recorded five tackles, including two third-down stops.

“Oh, man, he’s a beast,” Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble said. “I see him making plays all over the field. It’s hard to do that coming in and I’m excited about him. He’s a good dude. He’s funny, but most of all he’s a playmaker.”

But Wallace is still a rookie.

It showed during a three-play span during last Saturday’s 31-26 preseason finale win against Buffalo.

During a second-quarter drive, Wallace reacted quickly to a screen pass and tackled Bills running back Frank Gore Jr. for no gain. On the next play, he missed an open-field tackle on wide receiver Darrynton Evans’ 18-yard touchdown reception and run. On the next play, Wallace deflected quarterback Ben DiNucci two-point conversion pass, but Tre McKitty made the catch.

Bryce Young has faced Wallace throughout the offseason program and training camp. The second-year quarterback remains confident the Panthers drafted a defensive playmaker.

“Going against Trevin (passing) windows that may seem big or may seem open, he can get there, he can close ’em, he can get a hand on the ball, he can go pick the ball off, he can go sideline to sideline really well,” Young said. “I’m glad he’s on our team, for sure. He makes it difficult on a lot of things we want to do.”

Wallace is not doing it alone.

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