Gabe Wallace Draft Networking Interview: Don't Write Him Off (Interviews)
Interviews

Gabe Wallace Draft Networking Interview: Don't Write Him Off

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Buffalo Bulls offensive lineman Gabe Wallace is a versatile player in the 2024 NFL Draft. A multi-year starter, Wallace has starting experience at both tackle and guard positions. Wallace has outstanding size for the position at nearly 6-foot-6 and 335 pounds. He recently displayed his talents throughout the college football all-star circuit, participating in both the College Gridiron Showcase and Tropical Bowl.

Wallace recently spoke with The Draft Network for an exclusive interview. He discussed his versatility, which position he mostly sees himself playing moving forward, which NFL teams showed interest in his services, and more.

JM: You were born in Salmon Arm, British Columbia, Canada. As a fellow Canadian myself, I’m always interested in learning how someone like yourself first fell in love with football.

Gabe Wallace: I basically started playing football when I cut the tendon on my foot back in the fifth grade (laughs). I wasn’t able to play hockey that year as a result. By the time I was able to resume physical activities, we were in the middle of summer. 

One of my friends realized that I was a lot bigger than everyone else in my age group (laughs). He recommended football to me. My mom said absolutely not. After pleading with her, I tried out for the team. I did really well. It’s been something I’ve enjoyed ever since.

JM: As you started taking it more seriously as the years went by, did you find that you’ve always had to work harder than the next guy to gain recognition as a football prospect?

Gabe Wallace: I definitely noticed that once I reached high school. That wasn’t a problem in Canada. When I would travel to football camps in the United States, I definitely noticed that I was written off when they heard I was Canadian. I had to especially put my best foot forward at those American football camps if I wanted to get that extra recognition.

JM: You did catch the attention of the Buffalo Bulls, one of the premier programs in the MAC. How do you reflect on your time there?

Gabe Wallace: It was amazing. There were some ups and downs in terms of stability with the coaching staff. I believe I had three different offensive line coaches throughout my time there. One my freshman year, another that stayed until 2020, and now coach Stansfield, who is the current O-line coach.

I had to get used to new coaches. Ultimately, I had an amazing experience at Buffalo. I’m really glad I stayed there for the entire duration of my college career.

JM: You played both offensive tackle and guard positions throughout your time at Buffalo. You moved around as necessary, playing a key role on one of the better offensive lines in the conference. Which position do you see yourself primarily playing moving forward?

Gabe Wallace: I would most likely say guard. It’s a bit more fitting for my play style. I’m a mauler. I’m a hard-nosed blocker that digs opponents out of their gap. I’m obviously open to playing both positions and I have a lot of experience at both. Guard just seems like the better overall fit for me.

JM: You recently participated in the College Gridiron Showcase and the Tropical Bowl. What do you think you proved to NFL scouts and decision-makers in attendance?

Gabe Wallace: I think I showed them that despite being a heavier prospect, I move really well for my size. I measured in at 6-foot-5 (and ⅞), 335 pounds. That plays into my physical demeanor and overall attributes. When I get locked up with a guy, I can really show off my power by shutting an opponent down as a pass protector, and I can move guys off the line of scrimmage in the run game.

JM: Did you meet with any NFL teams while participating in those two pre-draft all-star events?

Gabe Wallace: I had a really good meeting with the Philadelphia Eagles. The meeting went longer than the others and I felt like we really hit it off. I later caught up with that same scout at the Tropical Bowl.

The other team that really stood out was the Miami Dolphins. I met with them at both events and those meetings went well. I also met with the Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Chargers, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Washington Commanders.

JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why on tape. We’ve appreciated your time today. Why should a team use one of their draft picks on Gabe Wallace in the 2024 NFL Draft?

Gabe Wallace: I bring a hard-nosed mentality to playing across the offensive line. I can really propel a team forward. I love the dirty runs and grinding tough yards at the line of scrimmage. I don’t want the spotlight. We don’t get much of that anyways. It’s the nature of playing this position. I just love making sure our quarterback and running back succeed.



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