Notre Dame Recruiting: Pennsylvania Big 33 Star Kyle Wallace A Hidden Gem

Back in 2008 when Charlie Weis was plotting the long-term future of the Fighting Irish, looking to fill the holes when offensive linemen like Sam Young and Eric Olson graduated, one name that kept coming up on the radar was Kyle Wallace.

A junior offensive guard at Wyoming Valley West High School in Northeastern Pennsylvania, the 6'3" 260lb. starter since his freshman year was being recruited by Michigan State, Florida State and Buffalo as well.

Playing in the Wyoming Valley Conference is big time high school athletics—this is the conference that produced the likes of Rocket and Quadry Ismail, Ron Powlus and former Michigan star lineman Greg Skrepenak.

Wallace's coach was George Curry, Powlus' former mentor. With Powlus handling the quarterback coaching duties at the time, it looked as though that tie might lead Wallace to South Bend. Wallace's ability to be used as a pulling guard or tackle made things look even sweeter—his versatility is his calling card. But times and situations change.

Shoulder surgery for Wallace following the 2008 season and coaching changes in South Bend dropped Wallace from the Irish master list. But a funny thing happened in 2009, after the surgery Wallace put on 20 pounds of muscle and moved to the defensive side of the ball.

Now 6'4" 280 with a 4.8 40 time, a 350lb bench press and 580lb squat, shoulder surgery may have been the best thing that ever happened. He came back from rehabbing his injury in much better shape than before and made the switch to defensive tackle.

In his senior season, Wallace recorded 68 tackles and two sacks and was named to the Pennsylvania Big 33 team. The Big 33 game puts the top players from Pennsylvania against Ohio's best.

First played in 1958, there has never been a Super Bowl without a Big 33 player. Notable alumni include Ismail, Powlus, Tim Ruddy, Ricky Watters and Marc Edwards.

The 2010 game was shown on the NFL Network, and Wallace made the most of it, dominating 6'5" offensive lineman Travis Jackson, now at Michigan State, and 6'7" Andy Jomantas, now playing for the Wolfpack of North Carolina State.

Wallace's work ethic was evident on that hot June night in Hershey, Pa. While most players were winded with their hands on their knees, Wallace rejuvenated the defense with his desire to make huge hits.

After his senior year, Wallace chose to enroll at Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School for a year of postgraduate studies and to strengthen his defensive talents. And that's exactly what happened.

Wallace finished the season with 86 tackles and two sacks and was names the Blue Knights MVP. All this in a league that fields some of the finest teams in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Not bad for a converted pulling guard turned defensive tackle.

With Western Michigan and Temple University knocking on Wallace's door, but now  might be the right time for the Fighting Irish to take another look at this revamped young man who has a habit of creating havoc for opponents.

Even when he isn't in on the tackle, his large presence is felt disrupting plays. Yards after initial contact is a big stat when looking at an offensive player. There are no yards after contact with Kyle Wallace.

Wallace would be a great fit on the Irish defense, but no matter who rings the bell, one thing is for sure, Wallace will answer the call.