Jacksonville FL- As the big stage of the NFL draft approaches tonight, it’s no surprise that Ohio State defensive back Shaun Wade is one of the top players expected to be drafted. Wade is no stranger to big stages, and he’s performed on every single one of them.
At Trinity Christian high school in Jacksonville Florida, Wade won 4 straight state titles from 2013 to 2016. In his last game as a Conqueror, Wade set up a touchdown by D.J Matthews when he caught a tight rope interception stopping a potential score by Chaminade-Madonna. Trinity would go on to win 24-13. That year, Wade played his senior season as one of the highest recruited players in the nation. A 5-Star recruit, he earned distinction as the USA Today High School Football Player of the Year, Lockhead Martin defensive back player of the year, and was selected to the US Army All American Bowl. No other player from the area has achieved such accolades.
As a two time USA Today High School All-American, Wade enrolled at Ohio State. After a red-shirt year, he achieved consensus All-American status in 2020. He was awarded the Tatum–Woodson Defensive Back of the Year (2020), named to the first team All-Big Ten (2020) , and Third-team All-Big Ten team in 2019. Wade helped guide the Buckeyes to the College Football Championship game in 2020, and won Rose Bowl victories in 2019 and 2018.
As one who has played on the biggest stages in high school and college, Wade now sets his eyes on the highest stage of football, the NFL. But before doing so, Wade came back to Jacksonville to take center stage in giving back to his community. Wade spent five days visiting youth organizations, military vets, schools, and juvenile facilities sharing experiences, offering advice, and providing inspiration to many youth in the area. It was an incredible act of generosity and kindness that undoubtedly had a big impact on many who got to experience it.
Said Randy Wade, Shaun’s father, “Shaun and I had discussions about his childhood — how athletes, stars, entertainers, and successful people never came in our community. We always had to go find them in a game or event. While Shaun had free time, he wanted to dedicate some time to visit people in his community to show he cares“. Wade started playing flag football in Sigonella Italy. He then transitioned to tackle football first in Montgomery Alabama, and finally in Jacksonville where he played running back and defensive back for Sweetwater. It’s only fitting that Shaun begin his NFL journey in a place where he began his football journey. A journey that has bought he and his family to this moment tonight.
Without question, which ever team that drafts Shaun Wade is going to get a winner and a dynamic player. He’s been that since his youth football playing days. Yet it’s the dynamic person who gives humbly and the supportive family that molds him lovingly, that what makes him ready for every big stage to come.
Story by, Andre’ Ellis
