Ohio State football: Shaun Wade gives Buckeyes much needed boost

Ohio State doesn’t have much experience in the secondary. Adding their future first-round cornerback back to the roster is a monumental accomplishment for them.

Shaun Wade would have been a first-round pick had he decided to declare for the 2020 NFL Draft. He decided to stick around to try and win a national championship after getting kicked out of the final game of 2019. Then the Big Ten decided not to play in 2020.

Wade decided just a few days ago to opt out and prepare for the 2021 Draft. Of course, as we all know, the Big Ten is now deciding to play starting October 23-24. Wade had a decision to make on his future. Wyatt Davis decided to come back, so many speculated he would too.

Wade did decide to return to the Buckeyes. Now that he has, Ohio State has some experience in a secondary that was decimated by entrants into the 2020 draft. Wade will instantly boost the play of the entire unit and should make the Buckeye defense one of the country’s best.

The one thing Wade hasn’t quite proven to NFL scouts yet is the ability to play outside corner consistently well. Based on his technique and how well he played the slot corner a year ago, I have no doubt that he can do that with ease.

Ohio State will need strong secondary play after losing elite pass rusher Chase Young. More pressure will be put on the secondary to perform well. Keeping Wade gives the Buckeyes a lockdown corner on whatever side of the field he is on.

Now that the Bucks have their full squad back, they might be the favorites for the national championship. Ohio State has both the offense and the defense to dominate all year long. Wade is a big piece of that, and will now get his chance to go after that championship he desperately wants.