Shaun

Wade

Wade (6'1/195) is one of the more polarizing prospects of this year’s draft class, as ESPN’s Todd McShay recently mocked him 13th overall, however many other analysts view Wade as a second-to-third round worthy talent. While the junior cornerback has requisite measurables, he was torched by quality wide receivers Jahan Dotson, Ty Fryfogle, Cornell Powell and Devonta Smith. On the year, Wade allowed 39 completions on 61 targets, a 64 percent completion rate, for 563 yards, 14.4 YPC, seven touchdowns and two interceptions. He was given a middling 63.7 coverage grade by PFF as opposed to a much better 79.6 grade in run support. Wade’s production does not reflect a first round grade, so he should hear his name called in the second or third round in this year’s NFL Draft.

Wade (6'1/195) went on ESPN’s Sports Center to announce that he will return to Ohio State for the fall season. Wade’s return is a smart move for NFL Draft purposes as his range was considered to be in the rounds 1-3 range according to The Athletic’s Dane Brugler. Wade now will be featured as OSU’s number one corner, a prolific legacy position that has resulted in several first-round selections in the past decade. The 2019 All Big-Ten third team performer posted 25 tackles and 8 PBU to go with two interceptions last year and will contest for first-team honors this season.

Ohio State HC Ryan Day indicated that Wade contacted him recently expressing an interest in returning to the Buckeyes if a fall Big Ten schedule gets ironed out. It appears the decision to play has been made and we can now let the opt-back-in rumors swirl. Wade is listed at 6-foot-1, 195 pounds and is being considered as a first-to-third round prospect for NFL Draft purposes. Wade was already named as an All-Big Ten third-team performer as a true sophomore last year, but could use another year of seasoning if he wants to boost his draft stock into the first round.

Brugler does like much in Wade’s game, but noted that the Ohio State standout is “not a sudden athlete,” with the analyst explaining to Duffy that the 6-foot-1, 195-pounder profiles most cleanly for the NFL as an outside corner. Inside receivers, Brugler said, have at times “just eat[en] him up with their athleticism.” Wade opted out of the season just days ago, a decision which could end up a little problematic now that the Big Ten has decided to charge ahead with a fall campaign. Brugler referred to Wade’s opt-out decision as “pretty surprising.” In terms of draft slot, Brugler is hearing anything from first round to third round for Wade.

If the recent rumblings that Big Ten presidents could have a change of heart regarding playing football this fall come to fruition, Wade (6'1/194) will not be on the field for the Buckeyes. The redshirt junior, who considered entering the 2020 NFL Draft before deciding to return to Columbus for one more season, has decided to focus his efforts on preparing for next spring’s draft. He’s the second Buckeye to announce that he won’t be playing, joining offensive lineman Wyatt Davis. Wade, who moved outside from the slot in place of the departed Jeff Okudah, is projected to be a Day 1 selection in next year’s draft.

Had Wade declared for the draft, the 6-foot-1, 194-pound redshirt sophomore would have done so on a very sour final note. When last we saw the OSU standout, he was being ejected on a dubious targeting call in the team’s Playoff semifinal matchup with Clemson on Dec. 28. Wade ended his 2019 season having recorded 26 tackles (4.0 for loss), two sacks, an interception, seven passes defensed and two forced fumbles across 11 games played.

Wade (6'1/194) drew the penalty as he went in for a sack on Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence, as he dipped his head a bit low and cracked Lawrence in the head, which was deemed targeting after an official review. Wade will miss the rest of the contest, but he will be eligible for the final against LSU if the Buckeyes are able to win.

On Monday, HC Ryan Day said that he would have a better idea regarding the status of Wade (6'1/194) for the December 28 College Football Playoff semifinal against Clemson after this week of practice. While the redshirt sophomore did not play against Michigan, he was able to play in the Big Ten Championship Game vs. Wisconsin. And given how talented Clemson is at wide receiver, the Buckeyes will need their slot corner to be physically ready to go when the teams meet in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl later this month.

Wade (6'1/194) dressed but did not play against Michigan last weekend due to an undisclosed injury concern. He’s back, now, barring setback. In fact, Ohio State expects all of its regular starters to be available for Saturday’s conference title showdown with the Badgers. OSU is already close to a lock for the Playoff -- we don’t honestly think a loss would drop them out -- but a convincing win on Saturday (kind of OSU’s forte) could potentially lock them up the No. 1 seed for postseason festivities later this winter.

Wade (6'1/194) is key to Ohio State’s defense scheme as their slot cornerback. As Day mentions, Wade’s return is important not just because he is phenomenal in his own right, but because having him back won’t force other players to be forced into unfamiliar roles. Wade has defended eight passes and picked off one pass in 2019.