Ohio State cornerback commit Shaun Wade (6-2, 170, Jacksonville, FL Trinity Christian) is one of the top cornerbacks in the country and he’s a hot commodity right now.
Wade remains committed to Ohio State but also just visited two SEC schools including the instate Florida Gators.
“I’ve been to Florida and to Alabama, I’m trying to get back up to Ohio State soon,” Wade said. “I’m just trying to take some visits that’s all right now. I’m going to Ohio State for the spring game or for a practice.”
When Wade visited Florida last month, it was his first chance to really meet new defensive backs coach Torrian Gray, and the two are building a good bond.
“Their message is that it’s close to home and I like Coach Gray,” he said. “Coach Gray and I talk pretty much every day pretty much. He’s just trying to get to know me. We talk football and then we talk about school. We talk about different things and he’s just trying to get to know me as a person first.”
Gray isn’t the only coach recruiting Wade, as area recruiter Tim Skipper and head coach Jim McElwain are also after the big time corner.
“I talk to Coach Gray the most but I also talk to Coach McElwain and the rest of the coaches a lot,” Wade said. “It’s like a family atmosphere up there and they treat me like family.”
While in Gainesville Wade was able to see the Florida Gators depth chart and see that there is a need for corners in this class.
“I can see the need [for cornerbacks] by looking at the depth chart,” Wade said. “They have two five stars leaving after next year so they need someone to replace them at the position after they leave. I think I can fit into that role.”
Despite good visits to Gainesville and Tuscaloosa Wade is still a Buckeye, but he’s keeping his eyes open to others.
“I’m still committed to Ohio State,” he said. “ We talk about every three days. I’m looking forward to sitting down and talking to the coaches when I go up there. I want to talk to the players more. Everything is straight with Ohio State but I’m just keeping my options open.”
INSIDERS TAKE: Florida is the team on the rise in Wade’s recruitment and Torrian Gray is doing a great job here. The Gators just need to continue to get Wade on campus this spring and summer to keep the momentum alive.
Quotes from Daniel Thompson at the IMG 7-on-7 southeast tournament this weekend.
I really hope the Gators can pull together a great CB class this year. Wade,Wilson,Brini,and then either Blades or Davis.