*This story can also be found in the September 7 edition of the Arkansas State Football digital game day program*
When asked about his 40 career rushing touchdowns, Arkansas State redshirt senior running back
Zak Wallace is quick to credit others for such an achievement.
With a healthy mix of confidence and humility, the Benton, Ark., native recognizes that his success comes through the work of many.
"It's special and an honor," Wallace said. "All thanks to God for putting me in this position and allowing me to (score 40 touchdowns). Obviously, I'm also thankful to the guys up front blocking for me because without them, I'm nothing. Without my teammates, I'm nothing."
Whether it's a big push to grind out short-yardage or widening a gap so he can break off for a big gain, Wallace doesn't hesitate to emphasize the trust needed between a running back and the offensive line.
"With that trust comes confidence," he said. "If I know what they're doing, I trust them to lead the way, and they trust me behind them."
That trust is not only in his teammates, but also comes from Head Coach
Butch Jones and Associate Head Coach/Running Backs Coach
Marquase Lovings.
Lovings came to A-State ahead of the 2022 season and brought a lengthy resume of developing quality backs. Wallace, a member of the program since 2023, noted the multi-faceted way in which Lovings tutors the position group, both as football players and as young men.
"It's a blessing (learning from Coach Lovings)" Wallace remarked. "He challenges us each day, not only to be great on the field but great off the field. That's something every young player needs – someone to develop them into a great teammate as well as a great man. Ever since I got here, I've become a completely different player. I've developed my game, whether it's pass-blocking or catching the ball, or just doing different things when I run the ball. He's a great coach and I appreciate him."
A-State's rushing attack in 2023 – spearheaded by the three-headed Natural State Run Game of Wallace,
Ja'Quez Cross (Hampton) and
Cedric Hawkins (Stuttgart) – was key to the Red Wolves' first bowl appearance since 2019. The trio totaled 1,447 yards and 15 scores, while recording eight games of 100-plus yards after totaling seven the previous two years combined.
Being part of that talented running back corps, and one of three backs from the state of Arkansas gives Wallace a sense of pride in not only playing for the Red Wolves and his hometown, but in playing for the state he loves and feels is not always recognized for producing a wealth of football talent as other states.
"There's definitely talent (in Arkansas)," he said. "We can say that we're kind of slept-on. You don't hear about a lot, but we're here. With us three in the room, and the other Arkansas guys on the team, we take pride in being from the state and playing for the state."
