At this point, we’re used to seeing top defensive backs pouring out of Ohio State University, and the 2021 NFL Draft class will have one of its own in Shaun Wade.
The next blue-chip corner prospect to come out of Columbus, Wade recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his decision to return to school for another season, the pressure of taking on a leadership role in the secondary this season, and what fans can expect from him in 2020.
JM: A lot of people felt like you were ready to make the jump to the NFL draft in 2020, but you decided to return to Ohio State for another season. Can you walk me through your decision-making process?
SW: I just felt like I still had work to do. It was the best decision for me. It gives me a chance to graduate from Ohio State. It gives me a chance to come back here and try to win another National Championship. That’s a dream of mine. Those are the main reasons I came back. I want to graduate and get my degree.
JM: With the departures of Jeff Okudah, Chase Young and Damon Arnette, just to name a few, how can this Ohio State defense be better this year than it was last year?
SW: Those guys are obviously special players, but we had a lot of games last year where our younger players were our main contributors. Those guys have developed. Those young guys really stepped up last year. There were times where I wasn’t playing and we had a great defense. Young was banged up. Arnette missed some time. Our young guys had a chance to play in some really big games. That experience was huge. I feel like our young guys are gonna step up and fill the void left behind. We’re gonna do great things this year. I’m really looking forward to the upcoming season. I can’t wait.
JM: You played as a nickel corner last season, but you’ll be moving outside this year. Is that going to be a tough transition for you?
SW: I don’t expect it to be a tough transition. I’ve practiced it a few times. It’s not gonna be new to me. I played there in high school. I’ve played there a few times at Ohio State. I’m looking forward to it. Playing at Ohio State is such a privilege. If they need me to play outside, I’m gonna be proud to do it. I’m a team player first and foremost. I’m looking forward to playing outside corner. It should give me a chance to show off some of my talent.
JM: You’re expected to be the leader of this secondary in 2020. That’s sort of something you signed up for when you decided to stay in school. How do you plan on embracing that?
SW: I plan on fully embracing that. I’m trying to get everybody situated right now. We’re all going through COVID-19 together and its brought some challenges. I’m trying to make sure that everybody is finding ways to work out and stay in shape. We need to be doing everything we can to hit the ground running once we’re back in the facility. We’re working out to the best of our abilities. That’s our responsibility right now. All of the rules have changed due to COVID-19. Its been a tough time but I’m just trying to make sure that all of our young players are prepared because the season truly is right around the corner. We don’t have time to waste. We have to give it our all throughout all this. We need to have an NFL mindset.
JM: Coach Kerry Coombs is back at Ohio State. He spent two years in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans, but he returns to Ohio State now as defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach. Coach Coombs is a bit of a legend there. You must be excited to work with him once again in what’s sure to be an important season for you, right?
SW: Coach Coombs is an excellent coach. He’s actually the coach that originally recruited me. He’s the reason that I became a Buckeye in the first place. I’m really happy that he got a chance to experience coaching in the NFL with the Titans. I always knew that was a dream of his. He lived out his dream for a little while but I’m really glad that he’s back. I’m really looking forward to the energy and excitement that he brings to the game. Anybody that knows coach Coombs knows that he’s an energetic guy. He has an excellent background. He’s coached a lot of NFL talent. I’m really looking forward to learning some new things under his watchful eye this season.
JM: Ohio State has been a “DB factory” as of late. Okudah and Arnette are the most recent examples. Coach Coombs has coached a bunch of first-round picks, as you said. How much confidence does that give you as you continue to chase your dream of one day playing in the NFL?
SW: It gives me a ton of confidence. At the end of the day, my confidence has to come from within. I can’t rely on anybody else for that. The coaches teach me things, and it’s my responsibility to put it on the field. It has to come from me at the end of the day. I’m very blessed to play for such a great coaching staff.
JM: You’ve recorded four interceptions over the past two years. Are you making it a priority to try and get your hands on the ball more often this coming season?
SW: I’m definitely looking forward to playing corner on the outside this season. I expect more balls to be thrown my way. I feel like I didn’t get targeted a whole lot playing in the slot. I didn’t have a chance to make a lot of splash plays in the slot. I should have more opportunities this coming season. I’m very excited about that. I should have a lot more one-on-one opportunities on the outside this season. I’m looking forward to those reps. It’s time for me to showcase my talent.
JM: I love that. What are three traits that a successful cornerback must possess?
SW: Quick twitch is a big one. You have to be a twitchy guy if you want to successfully play cornerback in this decade. You need to have quick feet. Length is a big one as well. You need to have those long arms. That’s what helps you get your hands on the ball.
JM: What’s your favorite part about playing cornerback?
SW: I love the 1-on-1 match-ups. I enjoy playing press-man on an island. It gives me a chance to make plays on the outside. That’s probably my favorite part. A lot of corners don’t like blitzing, but I love to do that as well. I just love making plays. I enjoy winning the one-on-one match-ups against the opposing team’s best athlete. I really look forward to that.
JM: Playing at Ohio State has afforded you the opportunity to play against some of the best competition college football has to offer. Who are some of the best receivers you’ve had to cover up until this point?
SW: I’ve covered so many great receivers. I had a teammate, K.J. Hill. He’s a dog, man. He’s with the Los Angeles Chargers now. He’s gonna be so good for them. I actually covered so many great receivers in high school. Jerry Jeudy is very good. Tee Higgins is a great prospect. I feel like Chris Olave is gonna be really good for us. I look forward to going up against him in practice. I’ve squared off with so many great receivers. All of those guys can make big plays. Rondale Moore is another one. I can go on and on.
JM: Do you approach a bigger, more physical receiver any differently than you do a smaller, shiftier one?
SW: Yeah, I definitely approach them differently. As you know, I played in the slot last year. You have to approach each receiver differently in the slot. Those smaller receivers are typically quicker and faster. Bigger receivers want to use their body as an advantage. There’s different techniques for different receivers. Some receivers are big and fast. You have to watch the film and understand what you’re up against.
JM: Coach Ryan Day had some big shoes to fill. How do you feel he’s done so far?
SW: Coach Day has done a phenomenal job. Taking over for a legend like coach Urban Meyer is no easy task. I had a chance to play for a legendary coach like coach Meyer. Coach Day has done some great things. He’s recruited some excellent players. He treats us like young men. He shows us a ton of respect. He teaches us things about life. It’s not just about football with him. He wants to teach us about life. He’s done some phenomenal things. I know that he’s going to continue to be the right coach for the Buckeyes.
JM: If you were going into battle tomorrow and could only bring one teammate with you, who would you bring and why?
SW: My roommate, Tyreke Johnson. That’s my guy. We grew up together. We went to high school together. We’re at Ohio State together now and we’re roommates. We’ve basically gone through every stage of life together. I would definitely bring him with me.
JM: What can you tell me about Justin Fields, both the man and the quarterback?
SW: Justin is a dog. He understands the game of football at such a high level. He has every measurable you want in a quarterback. He has the height, he has the athleticism. He’s a great leader. He keeps to himself mostly. He really loves the game. He loves learning about the game.
JM: How would you describe the atmosphere at Ohio Stadium on game day?
SW: The atmosphere is unbelievable. All the fans are cheering you on, you hear that “O-H-I-O” and it’s a special feeling. The Shoe is rocking on game-day, especially if it’s a night game against Penn State or whoever. We have the best fans in the land. They always have our backs.
JM: What can Ohio State fans expect from Shaun Wade this season?
SW: I’m looking forward to the season. I’m gonna do my best for our fans. We’re trying to get back into the playoffs. Once we’re in the Final Four, we’re trying to bring home another National Championship. Go Bucks!
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