Joe Gaiter:What does football mean to you?
Kye’ree Wallace: Football is everything to me, it’s a lifestyle. I don’t remember the last time I’ve had a summer break nor do I want one. I don’t know where I’d be without football. It has taken me places I never imagined and I’m excited to see how much further I can take it.
Joe Gaiter:Tell us about your childhood?
Kye’ree Wallace: I was a regular kid with too much energy. Sports kept me out of trouble for the most part. I ran around the neighborhood with my cousins or was at a park playing football or basketball. I played pop warner football when I wasn’t in school.
Joe Gaiter: What are your fondest memories of Hamilton High School?
Kye’ree Wallace: Definitely winning the CIF championship. It was my first time playing at the coliseum and in a college atmosphere.
Joe Gaiter:Tell us about your recruitment experience?
Kye’ree Wallace: I was an unranked athlete out of high school, I was not highly recruited. I became academically ineligible in the middle of my breakout junior campaign which ruined any chance I had at recruitment. I wasn’t as focused as I should’ve been at the time.
Joe Gaiter: How was your time at East Los Angeles College?
Kye’ree Wallace: My time at ELAC was something I will never forget. I came into the school with a whole new coaching staff than the year before. We turned a 2-8 team into a 9-2 team, won conference, won our bowl game and I received my first FBS offer during that season.
Joe Gaiter: What made you choose Bethune-Cookman?
Kye’ree Wallace: I chose Bethune-Cookman because I hadn’t been anywhere outside of LA so going to the opposite side of the map was something I was interested in. I wanted to come get some Florida speed and I also saw that The University of Miami was on schedule. I knew I wouldn’t have had an opportunity to play them being on the west coast, so that influenced me as well.
Joe Gaiter: What was your contribution to BCU team this season?
Kye’ree Wallace: My contribution to BCU was limited due to injuries. I played with a broken wrist last year and had surgery at the end of the season which caused me to miss spring camp this year. Due to inconsistent wrist rehab, I broke my thumb during the first day of fall camp and having surgery on that caused me to use my medical redshirt this year. I understand that the entire BCU community and alumni still expect great things from me even after my trials and tribulations. I am working harder than ever to give them the season they have been expecting out of me.
Joe Gaiter: What are you training during the off-season?
Kye’ree Wallace: I am definitely focusing on my overall body health and strength. I’m emphasizing my vitamins and protein before and after workouts. You can’t put muscle on weak bones. I learned that the hard way. I’m just blessed to still have time to right my wrongs.
Joe Gaiter: How have you faced adversity?
Kye’ree Wallace: My journey at Cookman has been the complete opposite of smooth and I accept full responsibility for everything I have dealt with. I have been suspended, taken off scholarship and had to undergo surgery twice. This is definitely enough to make or break you. It seems like everyone forgets about you and all you have is God and yourself in these times. Through all the adversity, I am here healthy, back on the team, and in control of my own destiny. I have faced adversity better than I thought I could.
Joe Gaiter: What is your motivation?
Kye’ree Wallace: My mom is my motivation. She and my dad had hard lives growing up and she had me at a young age with every reason not to so I naturally feel that I owe it all to her. I have a brother in prison who had aspirations of going to the NFL before losing his freedom. I didn’t imagine chasing this dream without him so this for us.
Joe Gaiter: BCU was 7-4 last season, what are your expectations for the 2020 season?
Kye’ree Wallace: With all the talent we have returning on both sides of the ball and the addition of some good offensive linemen, I expect us to win our conference.
Joe Gaiter: Describe your style on the field as wide receiver?
Kye’ree Wallace: I would describe my style as competitive. I play with a chip on my shoulder and a swagger that is contagious. I want the ball more than anyone when it’s in the air and i want to be the best blocker on the field. I want to be the guy sent in motion to crack the defensive end. I also love special teams which is something
Joe Gaiter: You are a very powerful Wide Receiver. Have you reached your athletic peak?
Kye’ree Wallace: I’m honestly haven’t even scratched the surface. My dad is a 6’1, 210lbs body builder so I definitely have athletic genes. I’m just working hard to reach my full potential genetically knowing I have a lot of room left.
Joe Gaiter: How hungry are you to make it?
Kye’ree Wallace: I’m starving. This is all I’ve ever wanted in my life but that’s easier said than done. To know me is to know my work ethic and grind, you’ll feel me.
Joe Gaiter: What is your relationship like with Head Coach Terry Sims and the coaching staff?
Kye’ree Wallace: An understanding one. I understand that everything I’m going through is making me a made-man and a better athlete. They are pushing me to get the best version of me they can and won’t accept average. I am and have always been up for the challenge and won’t accept average from myself either. I won’t fold under pressure.
Joe Gaiter: What is your untold story?
Kye’ree Wallace: I come from a rougher section of my city and have experienced and seen more than the average person. These experiences gave me a tough shell and I feel gave me the chip on my shoulder.
Joe Gaiter: Do you feel misunderstood?
Kye’ree Wallace: I do and I’m just grinding to become influential to the point that I’m understood without having to explain or say much.
Joe Gaiter: Who are some athletes we need to put on our radar?
Kye’ree Wallace: Jaylen Stewart out of LA will be a problem coming out of JUCO.
Joe Gaiter: How can we help support college athletes such as yourself?
Kye’ree Wallace: As an HBCU athlete, talent often goes unnoticed. You giving us this spotlight and platform is exactly what we need for the people to feel us and I definitely appreciate you for it.
