Zach Wallace was getting used to the idea of going away to play college football, but then the University of Tulsa called.

“Honestly, I thought I would end up at (University of) Ohio. That’s 14 hours from this place,” the Hilldale High School senior said. “Then, TU came out of nowhere. Thank God. I didn’t want to be that far away from my friends and family.”

Wallace, a 6-foot-2, 235-pounder, won’t be far away now as he has verbally committed to play for the Golden Hurricane.

He’s glad to have caught the eye of Tulsa coaches.

“Coach (Keith) Patterson (Tulsa’s co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach) said he liked the old school way I played,” Wallace said. “That’s all I know. He really liked the way I chased the ball when it went away from me and the way I use my hands on the defensive line.”

Wallace is projected to be a linebacker for the Hurricane. Hilldale coach Don Hendrix said it’s the position best suited for Wallace’s abilities.

“When I talked to bigger schools about Zack, they asked, ‘Can he play linebacker?’ Yeah, he’s smart and he’s fast,” Hendrix said. “He’ll do what the coaches ask him to do. His size is better fitted at linebacker. His speed’s fitted for it. His motor runs like a linebacker.”

Wallace, who played defensive end for the Hornets in the 2007 season, finished with 367 career tackles, including 48 for a loss. He also had 24 sacks, 57 quarterback hurries, nine caused fumbles, six fumble recoveries and four blocked passes.

The Oklahoma Coaches Association All-Stater had a team-leading 135 tackles this season, including 31 tackles for a loss, 10 quarterback sacks, 25 quarterback hurries, three caused fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two blocked passes.

Schools that showed an interest in Wallace also included Northern Iowa, Iowa State, Central Arkansas, Middle Tennessee State, Northeastern State, Central Oklahoma, Missouri State and Missouri Southern.

Verbal commitments are non-binding and the national signing date is Wednesday, Feb. 6. Wallace, who has a grade point average of 3.9 and scored a 26 on his ACT test, said he will not change his mind.

“I’m pretty set on going to TU,” he said. “Coaches are still calling me to set up dates (to visit) but I told them I’ve committed to TU.

“I like the school, the coaches and the where program is going at this time. It’s a good fit. I don’t have to worry now about football and where I’m going.”

Tulsa finished the 2007 season at 9-4 and it plays Bowling Green (8-4) on Sunday, Jan. 6 in the GMAC Bowl in Mobile, Ala.