Underrated & Overlooked is a column designed to shine a spotlight on prospects that have the potential to play at the next level but do not have the lofty star ratings or the luxury of great exposure. The column will attempt to run once a week right here at www.tdalabamamag.com.
Tanner Wade scrapped on a helmet and pads for the first time at the age of five and his love for the game has blossomed since then, but it is the constant family support that keeps Wade pushing forward.
“My family pushes me to be the best that I can be,” Wade said. “Coaches always say play for you, but I play for my family because they really put just as much heart and money into this. My little brother is ten and he is always sitting in the stands and I just want to make my family proud.”
The senior tight end has used his strong support system to encourage him to be better each and every day. He currently stands at 6-feet-5-inches and weighs 242 pounds, which is an excellent size for a tight end at any level. He doesn’t have the break out speed that other tight ends have, but he makes up for it with his ability to be a great edge blocker and the tenacity he shows when fighting for a ball in the air.
Wade grew up an Alabama fan and an offer from the Crimson Tide would mean the world to him, but he plans to contribute wherever he gets the opportunity to play.
“I want to go somewhere I have the best chance of playing and contributing,” Wade said.
The Muscle-Shoals native did not have an offer when he talked to Touchdown Alabama Magazine, but now holds his first offer from Missouri Baptist University. This could be the first of many for a great football player and a even better person.
