Wade protects the blind side

When you have a right-handed quarterback, having a trustworthy left tackle is very important. L.A. Harbor has one of the more athletic left tackle prospects in the country in Leon Wade (6-4, 325) and the big man from southern California talked recently about recruiting as well as what sets him apart from the rest of the top tackles out there.

"My feet are what really sets me apart," Wade said after taking part in the JCFootball.com combine this past weekend. "I have quick feet and the coaches here at Harbor really showed me what's what with my technique and stuff like that."

With his quickness where he likes it, Wade has turned his attention to the power aspect of his game.

"I benched 225 13 times and I really want to get that better," Wade said. "I want that to be over 20 reps by the end of the summer and I've been hitting the weight room hard working toward improving that area."

Wade prepped at Banning High School and he was a standout on defense before switching over to offense.

"I played defensive line for the most part up until my senior season," Wade said. "I played the first three games of my senior season and got injured so this is only my second year of playing tackle."

Wade had tepid interest from four-year schools, but grades put a hold on his move to a university.

"It was a tough lesson, but it was a good lesson," Wade said about him missing out on a chance to be at a four-year school right now. "I think it's worked out for the best. I have good coaches at Harbor and I have had the chance to get better and I think I'll have some good options in the future."

Wade said schools like Boise State, Utah State and Oregon State have all made contact recently and he's open to anyone who wants to recruit him.

"I'd love to stay on the west coast, but it really doesn't matter that much," Wade said. "Wherever I can go and be successful and I feel is a good situation, that's where I'll head no matter where it is."

Wade is on top of his coursework and he said he expects to sign with a school in December and he'll have three years to play two when he arrives at his next destination.

Leon Wade Scout Profile