Stamps' Wall making case for Most Outstanding Rookie

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In the third quarter of a 2020 game between the Central Arkansas Bears and Missouri State Bears, Missouri State gave up a 60-yard punt return that looked like it would give Central Arkansas the lead. Hustling nearly the full length of the field to make the touchdown-saving tackle was a four-year starter named Titus Wall.

That play, according to Missouri State Bears defensive coordinator Ryan Beard epitomized why Wall was a captain on that team: leading by example, never giving up – even when the ball carrier looked like he was gone – and making the tackle.

“You see Titus flash from the other side of the screen and hunt this guy down, working as hard as he possibly could,” Beard said.

“He’s working his butt off on special teams to go save the game. He knocks the kid out of bounds. We get a stop, and it helps us win the game. That’s obviously not a highlight for the team, but he is what you embody in the culture of your team, the workman mentality, the never-quit attitude.”

Two years after that tackle, Wall is starring at defensive back for the Canadian Football League’s Calgary Stampeders. Training camp injuries to defensive backs opened up playing time, and Wall has taken full advantage. 

He’s tied for the league lead with three interceptions and is the only CFLer to score touchdowns on both an interception and fumble return this season. Wall is also among the top 20 in total tackles.

Wall is garnering more attention as his strong play has continued, including being named a Player of the Week twice. Calgary teammate Jameer Thurman is leading the campaign to have Wall named as the league’s Most Outstanding Rookie come awards season.

“Since the beginning, he’s been making plays,” the Stamps linebacker