REGGIE WADE- QUIET STRENGTH FOR THE GAMECOCKS

The Gamecocks were in need of a center in 2008 and found a special player in Junior College transfer Reggie Wade. The Tuscumbia native started at center in every game (if memory serves us correctly) showing why he was invited to play in a national junior college all-star game. Wade is a quiet leader for the Gamecocks and will be a senior anchor on the offensive line. Reggie was kind enough to spend a few minutes with Gamecockillustrated.com following the conclusion of Spring Practice. Yet another player that makes us proud of our football program and the student-athletes it is bringing to JSU. During the course of the interview, Reggie told me that he really enjoyed Tony Dungy’s book, Quiet Strength. After talking with Reggie and watching him play, it is clear that he brings a quiet strength to the Gamecocks. Let’s get to know Reggie Wade.

Q: What’s the biggest difference between this level and junior college?

A: The biggest difference . . . Would have to be the discipline of the players. The guys are a lot more fundamentally sound than in junior college.

Q: What are your strengths as a center?

A: My quickness and my IQ for the game.

Q: Who do you model yourself after in the NFL?

A: I love Jeff Saturday of the Indianapolis Colts.

Q: Lets talk about the 09 Season. What’s your assessment of the offensive line?

A: The offensive line can definitely be a strength for the Gamecocks. We have three returning starters. We lost two seniors last year, but we have guys that can come in and make a pretty good impact.

Q: Who are some newcomers on the offensive line that have your attention?

A: We have [an incoming] freshman from Flynt, Michigan by the name of Ricky Clemmons that should be pretty good. We also have Tyler Ogletree that filled in last year. Tori Mobley, an upcoming freshman should also be pretty good.

Q: Outside of the offensive line, who are some newcomers to watch?

A: I am really, really excited about Brandon George, our running back. I like his intensity and I like his work ethic. He goes out every day and works really hard.

Q: How about JUCO transfer Jamal Young?

A: He’s a junior college guy so I definitely like him. He works hard and he’s learning the plays pretty quickly. I feel like he’s going to have a great impact.

Q: Who are some of the tough players on the JSU defensive line?

A: Definitely, Brandt Thomas comes to mind. I don’t play much against Jamison Wadley but he’s definitely good.

Q: What about Texas Garrott?

A: He’s pretty good. He’s just a hard worker. He’s a blue collar guy. He just goes out there and works hard every day and makes plays.

Q: Are you looking forward to playing Georgia Tech again?

A: I’m very excited. We were a little shell shocked at the beginning [of last year’s game]. But I feel like with a little more experience we can do pretty good this year.

Q: How was it matching up against Tech’s defensive line that included three NFL prospects?

A: It was fun. We heard about them all last spring heading into the game in August. They were really good. They [deserved] the accolades.

Q: What about the FSU game?

A: That’s a childhood dream team that I loved when I was a kid. Playing in that game is going to be a dream come true for me.

Q: Who are your biggest rivals in the OVC?

A: I would have to say Eastern Illinois, but this year we are really looking forward to playing EKU again, because we left there with a bad taste in our mouth. We are ready to come back and play again.

Q: What are the goals for this team?

A: Ultimately, to win a conference championship. We are working hard and we have the talent, but as Coach says talent is not enough. We have to come together as a team and be disciplined. Ultimately, we will win it if we do what we need to do.

Q: Will it be a big help having Ryan Perrilloux here for spring ball this year?

A: Definitely. When he first got here, even being the great player that he is he still had to learn the offense and everything. This year, he has a year under his belt with the offense and I feel he is going to have a phenomenal year.

Q: What could the JSU fans do to help the team?

A: I like it here, but I would love to see them get into the games a lot more. I would like to see a bigger student section.

Q: What do you do in your free time?

A: I’m a big reader. I just finished a book by Tony Dungy called "Quiet Strength". It’s a really good book.

Q: What’s your major?

A: Exercise science.

Q: How are you doing?

A: Good. I should have all A’s and one B right now.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: Possibly stay here and get my masters or apply to physical therapy school.


Thanks for your time, and good luck Reggie.

JSU 88