Football IQ: How important is Dillon Wade for Auburn’s offensive line?

Dillon Wade is one of the best players on Auburn’s football team, but is hardly ever talked about. He was Auburn’s best offensive lineman a year ago–or at least the most consistent.

Wade was an important recruiting win, too. He was to transfer portal recruiting what Perry Thompson was to high school recruiting. He was the first portal addition that was taken away from a school with prowess (USC)… Not to mention, he was highly ranked as a portal prospect. Before Wade, Auburn had not gone toe-to-toe with another big school in the portal and won.

When Auburn went in the wildcat a year ago, which was very rare, Wade moved from tackle to guard. It was a foreshadowing of what Wade was eventually going to be for Auburn. Now at guard, I would argue that Wade is even more important for Auburn in 2024.

[ VIDEO: Wade at guard in 2023 against LSU ]

Wade’s unique skillset

Wade just became the most athletic guard Auburn has had in years, or at least in my lifetime. HIs size is around average for an offensive lineman in the SEC, if not slightly below average, at 6-foot-3 303 pounds. Nothing about Wade says that he would be able to move down to guard and become a draft pick. Then, you turn on his tape.

Even with his athleticism, Wade is a much better run blocker than pass protector. This is what makes him different. He was consistently able to get movement as Auburn’s left tackle a year ago. The fact that Auburn would move him down to the interior for wildcat/short yardage situations was very telling.

Wade played left tackle because he was athletic enough to handle the job even if he didn’t have the ideal size and length. It was a great testimony to his skillset. For the record, Wade held his own as a pass protector. His feet are excellent.

What Wade brings at guard

Wade will be a strong asset at guard as he can wash defenders out on the zone runs. He knows the tackle’s perspective in the run game. While he should be good at the combo blocks, it will be a transition as he was usually in single-man blocking situations a year ago.

The way that Wade is able to route defenders out of their gaps is remniscent of a bulldog at times. His pad level is excellent, his feet never stop, and he has a nasty mentality (see above in LSU game clip).

How important Wade was as a portal recruit is now reflective of his role in the offensive line. He is a glue guy for the Tigers’ front.

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