Cam Wallace rushes to forefront
Trending
UNIVERSITY PARK -- Penn State coach Matt Campbell has said several times this season that his players would need to earn the right to play on Saturdays.
Exhibit A: Running back Cam Wallace.
After only getting two carries in the first four Big Ten games, Wallace put together two solid weeks of practice. His hard work overflowed into Saturday, picking up 135 rushing yards on 22 carries and a touchdown in the Lions' 31-17 win over Purdue.
"He had an incredible two weeks, and not just (earn the right to) play, but really take advantage of the opportunity," Campbell said.
Wallace was emotional after the game on a day that was far and away the best performance of any of the PSU running backs so far this season.
"It was all happy tears," Wallace said. "Everything just found their place. I'm just happy for myself and for this team."
Carson Hansen, the starter in the backfield for most of this season, complemented Wallace well. He finished just four yards short of the 100-yard mark on 17 carries.
"Really proud of (Wallace) and the hard work he's put in," Hansen said.
The idea that Wallace is healthy enough to play is a win for him personally. Just two years ago in Penn State's win over Kent State, Wallace broke both of his legs on a freak play.
"It's a credit to his mental toughness," offensive lineman Cooper Cousins said. "He's busting his tail in practice and the offseason. Now he gets his opportunity to shine. He capitalized and made the most of it. All the credit to Cam and the hard work he's put in through his time here."
Wallace, who also caught three short passes, will surely be a lock to at least start this weekend in Washington, but his story will be remembered as one about perseverance.
"You don't know when your time is going to come and when your number will be called," he said. "You just have to stack days, stack practices and take it day by day."