Shaun Wade, a fourth-year junior cornerback, was named on the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list.
Here is our preseason watch list, featuring 98 of the nation's best defensive players. https://t.co/K3EFUsnAq9 pic.twitter.com/4syjy69bcy
— Nagurski Trophy (@NagurskiTrophy) July 21, 2020
Wade is one of 98 players to be named to the watch list for the Nagurski Trophy, which honors the top defensive player in the country annually. There were 10 selections from the Big Ten.
A Jacksonville, Fla., native, Wade thrived as defensive playmaker during his redshirt sophomore season in 2019. Despite receiving first-round draft grades, he returned to Columbus with high expectations from both himself and others.
As a third-year sophomore, Wade showed his versatility, forcing one fumble, picked off one pass and tied for second on the team with eight passes deflections. The Jacksonville Trinity Christian Academy product led Ohio State’s defensive backfield with four tackles for loss and two sacks out of his 25 tackles (16 solo) to earn a spot on the All-Big Ten Third Team.
The versatile corner has displayed a propensity for big plays, leading the Buckeyes with three interceptions as a redshirt freshman in 2018. He also tied for fourth on the team with seven pass breakups and recorded one forced fumble to go with his career-high 31 tackles (27 solo) that year.
As a true freshman in 2017, Wade suffered a torn abdomen injury and took a redshirt after requiring season-ending surgery.
Prior to coming to Columbus, Wade was highly touted as a five-star corner and the No. 17 overall prospect. The only cornerback ranked ahead of Wade for 2017 was former teammate Jeff Okudah, who was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
The Buckeyes boast two former Nagurski Trophy winners in James Laurinaitis, who won in 2006, and Chase Young, who won in 2019. Young and Jordan Fuller were named to the preseason watch list a year ago.
Prior to the Nagurski watch list, Wade was already named to the watch lists for the Bednarik Award, which honors the nation’s top defensive player; Thorpe Award for the top defensive back; and Lott IMPACT Trophy, awarding the defensive player who makes the most IMPACT, which stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.
CB @shaunwade24 is on the watch list for the @NagurskiTrophy, which goes to the outstanding defensive player in college football. That's four watch lists now for Wade, including the Bednarik, Thorpe and Lott IMPACT awards. @OhioStateFB. @TheFWAA.
— Jerry Emig (@BuckeyeNotes) July 21, 2020
Additionally, he was named a preseason first-team All-American by multiple outlets including Sporting News.
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