July 12, 2009

OXFORD, Ohio - Typical college football players use their first year on campus to adjust to a faster, more complicated game, usually resulting in a redshirted season. Miami University freshman CHRIS WADE does not want to be typical.

Wade has goals of making an immediate impact on the gridiron for first year Coach Michael Haywood’s RedHawks.

“My main goal is to come out of camp and compete for the starting job at linebacker,” Wade said. “I think I have the ability to do that, so that’s what I’m aiming for.”

Wade also relishes the chance to be part of a team that is the start of bigger and better things for Miami football.

“Coach Haywood and his staff are the main reasons I choose to come to Miami,” he said. “I really like the staff’s attitude about turning this program around. Also, the values that Coach Haywood has are the same values that I have.”

The Slidell, Louisiana native is well aware that the college game is much different than the high school game he left back home in Louisiana.

“The biggest difference is going to be the ability level of everyone at the college level,” he said. “In high school, a lot of players are smaller or less talented, but at the college level everyone’s abilities are so much higher. I am looking forward to that raised level of competition.”

Wade also has his sights set for success off the field. An engineering management major, Wade is looking forward to someday using the leadership skills he has acquired through sports in his future career.

“I want to be the guy making the plans and making sure they get carried out correctly,” Wade said.

Whether it’s running down ball carriers or overseeing the construction of a new building, Chris Wade has the right attitude to excel.

“A former NFL player once told me, ’Be the Best’ and that is the motto I try to live by.”

What would your ideal job be?

A career in engineering management because I am a good leader, and I want to be an engineer that organizes and oversees projects.

What was your youth sports highlight?

The first time I played organized sports was in junior high. I played football, basketball, track and volleyball. I was the captain and most valuable player on every team, including volleyball.

What was your high school football highlight?

Being named all-state my senior season and getting invited to the Louisiana Senior Bowl Game.

What are your hobbies and off-the-field interests?

I’m just a regular person. I like to play Xbox and chill with friends. Friends are what keep me going.

What is something that people don't know about you?

I’m a very nice person and I love to laugh. Despite my size, I’m pretty gentle off the field.

Favorite Movie: The Hangover

Favorite Musical Artist/Group: Lil Wayne

"The person from history I'd most like to meet is...": Michael Jordan, because of his attitude towards the game. He felt no one could beat him and that’s how I feel.

"Three words that describe me are...": Competitive, Persistent, Hard working

"If I could live anywhere, it would be...": Australia

--www.MURedHawks.com--