How many tackles is too many?
Depends, probably.
For TCU coach Gary Patterson, in the case of linebacker Garret Wallow last week against SMU, 19.
“Too many,” the coach said.
Now, they were fine tackles. And it’s great that the junior from New Orleans gets to the ball; he’s really good at that. But Patterson would prefer to spread the wealth and keep Wallow sturdy for the long term, especially with the Big 12 schedule only dawning on Saturday against Kansas.
Last year, “I moved him back to safety because his shoulders were banged up and we needed him to play on special teams,” Patterson said. “If I had kept him at linebacker, he wouldn’t have made it through the season.”
Wallow ranked third on the team in tackles in 2018. He had 11 tackles in back-to-back games against Texas and Iowa State, then again against West Virginia (10 solo).
This year, more of the same.
The 6-foot-2, 212-pound athlete has been the team leader in tackles every game, with 13 in the opener and 10 at Purdue. He’s so far ahead as the team leader with 42, the next three players — Trevon Moehrig, Dee Winters and Innis Gaines — could put theirs together and still be one short.
Whew. That’s some action.
Patterson said it’s right in line with the production of Ty Summers and Travin Howard, the top two tacklers in the Patterson era (and to be honest, probably all-time at TCU).
“Our deal is set up that linebackers make plays,” the coach said. “Usually it’s the two linebackers and either the weak safety or the strong, depending on what kind of coverages and whether we put them in the box or don’t put them in the box, how they’ll be when it comes to that kind of stuff. I’m just glad he can.”
Wallow shares the sentiment. He’ll gladly take on the role of point person on the defense. Funnel everything to him.
At this stage in his career, Wallow’s diagnosing of formations and anticipation of plays isn’t slowed by inexperience, as evidenced by his nine tackles for loss and 2 1/2 sacks, also team bests.
“He’s playing now comparably to what he played as a sophomore last year,” Patterson said. “But that’s normal in our defense to have guys that once their process level goes up, they play better.”
In play, body language and communication, the star from Louisiana high school powerhouse John Curtis demonstrates that he accepts the mantle. As the Horned Frogs seek to ease the sting of giving up 41 points to SMU, now is as good a time as any.
“I always read this little quote my mom sent me, about being a leader,” Wallow said after the season opener. “It’s like, when you’re not a leader, success is about, really, yourself. But when you become a leader, success is about building others.
“That’s definitely something I’ve been trying to do. Definitely trying to grow into that role.”
