Steinbach Regional offensive line standout heading to University of Manitoba

Just looking at Ryder Wallace, it was clear the Steinbach Regional offensive lineman could be headed to the next level.

The 6’5, 275 lbs. tackle was made a huge part of the University of Manitoba’s 2026 recruiting class, becoming the first player the school announced as a commitment Sept. 17.

Wallace said he started getting heavily recruited during his time with Team Manitoba’s U18 squad, which was coached by U of M recruiting coordinator Sean Ollie.

While there were other schools interested, Wallace was always biased towards staying close to home with familiar coaches.

“The Bisons, especially their offensive line, I think have a really good group of guys there,” Wallace said.

The Bisons are in a transition year, with long-time head coach Brian Dobie retiring at the end of last season. Stan Pierre is now leading the program.

“(Wallace is) arguably the number one or two offensive lineman in the province, he was a must get for us,” Ollie said in the school’s social media post announcing the signing.

“He has outstanding upside and I know (offensive coordinator Blair Atkinson) plus our staff really like his game.”

Wallace was in attendance at the U of M’s homecoming weekend, as the Bisons crushed Alberta 34-7 to move to 2-2 on the season.

“It could influence other recruits, from Manitoba especially, to commit to the Bisons if they see that I committed,” Wallace said.

“How coach Ollie puts it, ‘the backyard is the best place.’”

Wallace boasts a 5.3 second 40-yard dash and 5.01 shuttle run while being able to bench press 255. He plans to study nursing at University.

“It comes down to footwork,” Wallace said when asked what it takes to thrive as an offensive lineman enough to get a USports scholarship.

“The outside, especially against faster guys, I’m blessed with the fact I’m pretty fast for my size.”

There might not be a better program than SRSS for an up-and-coming offensive lineman phenom to play his high school ball in Manitoba. Varsity head coach Stephan Fedus is considered one of the best O-line coaches in the province.

“(Coach Fedus) is definitely one of my favourite humans to ever exist,” Wallace said, with a grin apparent through the phone.

“He’s such a great coach, he pushes me. Every single practice he means business. I can always talk to him… It’s us five guys and we have to stick together.”

Fedus was quick to praise Wallace’s footwork, noting the player understands a lineman might have to sacrifice for the benefit of the team.

“Ryder has quietly gone about working to improve his skills throughout high school and in the process, he has built up an impressive resume,” coach Fedus said.

“He’s a two-time starter on the U18 provincial team and during his grade 11 season, he was consistently blocking the better defensive players and won more than his share of reps against the best grade 12 players. He’s proven to be one of the better pass blockers in Manitoba and has started to develop a nasty streak which has led to several dominating blocks in the run game.”

Steinbach Regional’s season took a bit of a hiccup last week, as they dropped a game to Vincent Massey 40-0 to drop to 2-1 on the season.

“Even with that Vincent Massey loss, it’s tough, but I think we do have potential to go all the way, especially if we come together as a team,” Wallace said.

The Sabres will get a massive test this week as they host traditional Manitoba powerhouse Dakota Sept. 26. The team’s homecoming will be the week after, Oct. 3.