Ohio State cornerback Shaun Wade, the second-best in the class of 2017 according to 247Sports, is trying to decide whether or not to come back to the Buckeye squad for another year. It could be said that has unfinished business, and it may be in his best interest to return for his senior season.
But that’s to be determined. We’ll know Wade’s decision soon, as he has made it clear that his decision will come Saturday. For now, it’s anyone’s guess which way the third-year former five-star recruit will opt.
What we have seen at times this year is that Wade’s absence at key moments — namely the Fiesta Bowl — resulted in just a wee-bit of a loss in experience and skill on the outside of the back-end of the defense.
Wade was ejected while the Buckeyes were up 16-0, and the targeting call on Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence seemingly changed the momentum after a dynamic Ohio State start.
After missing all of the 2017 season, Wade has had a bit of a breakout year, but not one that has garnered him the attention of others in the secondary. It’s not that the skill isn’t there, but the dominant spotlight hasn’t been on Wade like it has been for Damon Arnette and Jeff Okudah.
If he returns, he’ll boost his stock tremendously. He’d return as Ohio State’s best cornerback as both Arnette and Okudah are leaving the program, and the program has just one four-star cornerback commit.
A potential return could mean Wade goes from a second-day draft pick to one of the most coveted defensive backs in football. That change in play could mean everything for the 6-1 corner’s NFL career.
That’s why he should stay. Let Ohio State finally give him the platform he needs to show scouts he’s the best in the country.
A top-400 all-time recruit, the skill is there. But, under a new coach, will Wade return to bring that veteran expertise to what may be an inexperienced secondary for the Buckeyes?
