Canes hoping Dwyer's Wallace can play safety

Related Content Palm Beach No. 9 Recruit LARRY BLUSTEIN'S COMMENTS: Whether they line him up at quarterback, defensive end, receiver, linebacker or safety, this talented football player seems to make plays. Colleges such as Iowa State, FAU, FIU and others recognize what he means to a team.

Bradley Wallace's story isn't simple.

Sure, on the surface, it looks a bit like this: The William T. Dwyer senior-to-be is a 6-2, 195-pound college prospect, the No. 9 player in Palm Beach County, according to recruiting analyst Larry Blustein, who calls Wallace a ''talented football player'' and a constant playmaker.

But that just begins to describe Wallace's football odyssey.

First, there's his position. As in: What is he?

Is he a quarterback? He was last season, accounting for more than 30 touchdowns on the ground and through the air. He will be this season -- at least sometimes. And he also might play QB in college, with Louisiana-Lafayette offering him a scholarship to play under center, Wallace said.

Still, he could be a slash-type player this year, floating from quarterback to wide receiver and to running back in an attempt to keep him fresh throughout each game.

But . . .

''I think Bradley's going to be a safety or an outside linebacker in college,'' Dwyer coach Jack Daniels said.

That first one -- safety -- appears to be the two-way star's projected college position. That's where Iowa State, Miami and Mississippi State envision him playing, with Wallace saying he has offers from all three.

That second one could be where he ends up this fall for Dwyer, as former Palm Beach Lakes player Matt Elam -- also a college prospect, in the 2010 class -- has transferred in and likely will play safety.

Whichever way he goes, Daniels said, Wallace's talent is undeniable. He might not be polished enough a passer to play quarterback in college right now, Daniels said, but on defense, there's no doubt.

''He's one of the smartest guys I've ever coached on defense,'' Daniels said of Wallace, who lists his 40-yard dash time at 4.56 seconds. ``He's very physical. He's got great ball skills.

``People don't realize how physical he is. He's a tremendous hitter.''

So why just four offers, by Wallace's count? Position confusion might be one explanation, but Daniels has another theory: grades.

''He would have 50 offers if his grades weren't suspect,'' Daniels said.

Wallace didn't back away from the suggestion, acknowledging he must improve his grade-point average, and that academics are ''the only holdback on some colleges,'' he said.

Then, after clearing up his grades, Wallace also must post sufficient test scores -- he has yet to take the SAT, but said he is planning on doing so soon.

In the meantime, Wallace said he will attend a few camps this summer, followed by his official visits in the fall.

So his story is far from over, regarding position, grades and -- especially -- college choice, which he insists he won't rush.

''It's going to take a while,'' Wallace said.