Myles Wade Makes it to Lubbock

by Dirk Knudsen
Posted on: Prep Football News

You would have to know the while story to really appreciate it.  Someday we will tell it all.   But today in Portland, Oregon a jet will leave for Lubbock, Texas carrying a young man that has been through the fire and back.

Myles Wade in the past 4 years has been to the top as an All American playing and starring the the 2007 Army All American Game.  He was ranked a 5 star athlete and the #2 tackle in his class that year.  The 325 pound phenom out of Portland’s Central Catholic High School was on top of the world with 10 offers.

But that all changed as Wade’s GPA missed the requirements to be enrolled at the University of Oregon who he selected over Florida and USC.  A common tale true.  So Wade dug in and attended Arizona Western JC in Yuma where is suffered with sub standard living conditions and unbelievable heat and humidity.

He made All American as a JC player.  But the Summer of 2008 was a bad one as his mother Lori was stricken with Brain Cancer.  On top of that he learned that 30 plus credits of the heavy load he was taking did not transfer to U of O.  By Fall of 2008 the Ducks added to his woes by turning a cold shoulder to the recruit they had at the top of their list out of high school.

The home grown star had hit rock bottom.  In December of 2008 Wade de-committed with Oregon to focus on school and his Mom.  Things got worse.  Myles had been in Summer school and JC non stop since High school had ended and he was running out of will.  Than s few days before Christmas he lost his mother to cancer.  Things were completly out of control.

But hope springs eternal and Wade continued his schooling and training 6 days a week.  He dug in again with school and family.  Everyone said that Wade was done and academically too high a risk.  Everyone but Jerry Glanville at Portland State University who believed that Wade would make it.  He offered him a scholarship.

While Wade was trying to decide a Coach in Texas informed Coach Mike Leach at Texas Tech about Wade.  Leach saw a work out tape online at PrepProfiles.com and was on the first plane out.  The Red Raiders offered him right away and Auburn, Nebraska, and USC as well as the Washington Huskies jumped in.

The one issue was the lost Arizona Credits. To make that up Myles would have to complete 24 credits in Spring term.  That is a super full load.  Just a few months after Lori’s death Myles was climbing his way back up….at least he was trying.

Signing day came in February and Wade decided to become a Red Raider siging his letter on intent.  He felt he had found a home in Texas.  now he just had to finish the degree under a mountain of classes and tests and coursework.

So it was with great joy and celebration that Myles Wade walked the podium at Portland’s Memorial Coliseum and received his AA from Portland Community College.  He has done what no one but a few though he could do.  He will get another chance and play on a bigger stage than the U of O where he originally was meant to play.  The Ducks did not believe in him and it looks like things worked out for the best for Wade.

“I am so happy to return to the field.” he said. “There were times when I almost gave up but my mom was my biggest supporter and she still is.  My degree is #1.  So I am going to Texas tech to take care of business.”

Myles added, “There won’t be a down on that field I don’t think about her.  My effort will be 110% and I am going to give the team and my coaches and fans everything I have.”

Imagine anyone enduring more.  From the Pedestal of a High School Super Star to the dark lonely dorm of a far away JC and the cold reality of a funeral home Myles Wade has endured it all.  He is not back on that pedestal nor does he want to be.

Many analysts expect him to be an NFL prospects as his strength and conditioning numbers are as high as any recruits in this years NFL Draft.  Right now for Wade it is enough to be getting on that plane and heading to Lubbock.  A place he expects to call home for the next 3 years.

PrepProfiles.com wishes Myles Wade the very best as he makes his triumphant return to the grid iron.  Your story is one of hope and perseverance for us all.  Best wishes Myles.