Worth a Pick: Rico Wallace, WR, Shenandoah

Coming out of Meade High School in Maryland, Rico Wallace was a very solid Quarterback. He won MVP his senior year, and started in the Baltimore Touchdown Club All Star Game, where he won MVP in an amazing performance. Rico was raised with his 5 brothers by their mother, who did everything she could to help her sons. Rico lost his father when he was one year old, but Rico grew up with 5 men adult figures in his life. Each and every one of Rico’s brothers looked after him like their own. Although Rico was an amazing athlete coming out of high school, he wasn’t highly recruited coming out of high school, but he ultimately chose to play with Shenandoah University, a division 3 University located in Virginia.

When Rico finished his senior year he was just 8 points short of Anthony Frates for the All-time Scoring record with 168 total points. Wallace is the proud owner of records for most passes caught in a game, most receiving yards in a game, most touchdowns in one game, and longest reception from scrimmage. He finished his career with 3,287 yards on 189 receptions and 28 touchdowns. He averaged 5 receptions a game for 89 yards a game and 17.4 yards a reception over 37 games. That is a very impressive stat, regardless of what division you were in.

Rico Wallace is a very gifted athlete who glides when he runs. He gets in and out of traffic very easily and runs pristine routes. His run after catch is something amazing, because he is so hard to bring down. At 6’3 and 210 pounds Rico is a quick WR who is able to take a short pass to the house. He has great hands; great size and reminds me of Donald Driver. As a wide receiver, Rico has very good hands and is not afraid of the middle. He isn’t afraid of double teams, and always finds a way to come down with the ball in the End zone.

Rico is hoping he can get a chance from one NFL team and is praying to hear his name called come April’s NFL Draft. Rico’s Offensive Line Coach Joe Jacoby the former Washington Redskin Offensive Lineman said:

"He reminds me of Art Monk, a quiet and reserved individual, who always wants the ball in his hand, especially on 4th down." Jacoby went on to say, Wallace is a special person; and a great role model, once you get to meet him you become a better person."

Rico is preparing extremely hard right now for his Pro Day where he was invited to perform at James Madison University on March 16th, where he will get better exposure than if he was at Shenandoah. I would like to thank Rico, for taking the time out of his busy schedule to do an interview with me, for all our followers on Mocking the Draft.

What was your most memorable moment playing for Meade High School?

Scoring the game winning touchdown in the last game of my junior season. It was special for me because it was a tough season, having to forfeit three of our games we won. So it was frustrating but it was nice to send the seniors out on a win.

How many teams were recruiting you coming out of Meade High School?

I had a couple. The division one schools were Navy, Villanova, Sacred Heart, and Maryland. They all talked to me once and after that they didn’t express any more interest. SU was the only school that really pursued me, and it turn out to be a great decision.

What was your most memorable moment in college?

Winning our last game. It was great because we finally got over the 500 mark, having a winning season. It was great to see that my class made a difference for Shenandoah football.

If I was a GM of an NFL team, what would you tell me you can bring to my team?

Hard work and a team player attitude. To me those are the two things needed to be successful. I am more than willing to do my part for your team.

What is the most traumatic thing you have ever experienced, and how did you overcome it?

Seeing my mom in the hospital with heart problems. I guess her heart rate was low so she had a pacemaker put in. It was hard seeing her hurt and seeing how my brothers were taking it emotionally. For me that was the most traumatic. We got through it together. We all have a positive attitude, which helps us get through the trying times.

How do you break down film, where do you start, and what do you look for?

I try to look for as much detail as possible. I watching each position on the defense and see how they affect the play. Then focusing on my position and seeing what coverage the defense runs in certain situations. Then I get more specific and see how the corner plays, whether they are aggressive or not and how well they move. Any advantage I can get, I look for.

Where have you been told you are projected to be drafted?

The last I heard, I could go as high as the 4th round, but most likely from the 6th round to being a free agent.

Growing up, who was your favorite NFL team?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, I used to like them for their colors when I was young. But when I started learning the game I loved their defense with John Lynch, Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, and Ronde Barber. But of course I like Mike Alstott and Warrick Dunn, on the offense.

Who was your favorite NFL player?

My favorite player is Barry Sanders. He is an amazing running back. The way he was able to break tackles and keep his balance always got me excited.

If you could meet one person in the world dead or alive, who would it be?

It would be my father. I would like to see what qualities I got from him. And I would like to get to know him and have him get to know me.

What is the first thing you are going to buy with your NFL paycheck?

I would pay my student loans first. Then see what I can do for my family and save the rest.

I would like to thank Rico for a great interview. Rico has been dominating the Division 3 level; but do you think he will he be selected in the draft? Make sure to answer the poll question below.

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