2008 Woodie Awards
Wall learns from Crabtree, poised to improve on last season's success
Alex Ybarra
Issue date: 8/27/08 Section: Sports
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"They probably won't test me as much because they like testing new guys," he said. "Now that they've seen me out there, it's gonna be a little harder."
On a unit that ranked 12th in the nation in passing defense in 2007, Wall led the team with five interceptions en route to an All-Big 12 Conference second team selection.
So what does Wall do for an encore?
"It's a whole new season, so what I do, I like to get better," said Wall, who was one of three Tech players, along with Michael Crabtree and guard Louis Vasquez, to earn a spot on the 2008 preseason All-Big 12 Conference team. "I don't just ignore (last season), but I'm like, 'OK, I had five interceptions, get six. I had 50 tackles, get 60.' I always use it for improvement."
Of course it helps when an All-American is lining up across from him on a regular basis.
Wall said the mutual relationship helps him get better at disguising coverage as he tries to befuddle the connection between Tech quarterback Graham Harrell and Crabtree.
"Graham is a smart guy," Wall said. "So it's not gonna take much for him to start figuring out stuff. I try to keep changing it up for them to make us better, as well as them better."
On occasion, Wall said Crabtree will turn to ask for advice after a play is over, so Wall does the same.
"He helps me," Wall said. "If I need some help on something, he asks me 'How would that break look, how did that break look?' He does his best to disguise too, because he knows he's gonna be double teamed and everything else this year too."
Cornerbacks coach Brian Mitchell said the two positions can learn so much from each other, so it makes sense to share some knowledge from time to time.
Mitchell said Wall "hasn't had one day where he's let his practice habits go south," which goes back to playing against Crabtree so often.
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