With the announcement of a postponed Big Ten season, it’s possible we’ve seen the last of certain high-profile players on Ohio State’s team. Quarterback Justin Fields is another discussion for a date not too far down the road, but let’s take the situation of defensive back Shaun Wade.
Wade came back for one more year after flirting with the decision of leaving early for the NFL. He is projected to be a first-round 2021 NFL Draftee but was looking to improve his draft stock by being the top dog in the Buckey secondary this fall.
However, he’s more than likely to be a first-round pick whether he puts more film out there or not. Because of his skill sets and high-ceiling — and the fact that he comes from Ohio State — someone will take him very early.
And love Ohio State or not (and he and his family does), it sounds like that’s a recipe for not risking injury just before a wad of cash is on the doorstep of being handed to you.
So it should maybe be no surprise then that Wade’s father has gone on record in stating that his son will not be playing this spring. Randy Wade appeared on Marty Smith’s podcast to discuss the Big Ten’s decision to postpone college football to the spring.
“I think his love is so much for Ohio State, even though the way he ended it with the Clemson game,” said Wade on the show. “I think that’s how he wants to end it … He’s not playing in the spring.”
.@TAMU AD @RossBjorkAD joins #MartySmithsAmerica to detail the staggering financial impact CFB has on athletic departments/local biz—I was 🤯— & intense COVID protocol.
Also: @OhioStateFB dads Carl Hilliard/Randy Wade discuss the emotions of a season lost.https://t.co/sqtzuThXau pic.twitter.com/6RP1S7J90y— Marty Smith (@MartySmithESPN) August 13, 2020
This is now the second time it has been stated that Wade would not entertain playing in the spring. Back in July, his parents said he wouldn’t play a spring season, and despite it now being a reality and perhaps a change of heart in play, the stance seems to still be the same.
However, it should be noted that this didn’t come directly from the corner himself, so take that for what it’s worth. We’ll just have to wait to see how it all plays out, but it’s highly probable that we won’t get to see the talented DB make a real name for himself in Columbus.
And yeah, we can’t really blame him.