Few freshmen are worthy of being noticed by college coaches, but Hot Springs Lakeside running back Braylen Wallace is an exception.
“I haven’t talked to college coaches about ninth graders, but when you talk about him and turn the film on, they start listening,” Rams coach Jared McBride said.
Wallace, 6-0, 212 pounds, is physically mature beyond his years and looks more like a senior than a freshman.
“I haven’t seen at any level a ninth grader that’s as physical and talented as he is,” McBride said.
Freshman are not elevated to varsity until after the junior high season is completed.