Making it Official: Slade Signs With AU

By Lora Scripts CNHI

Moody — Moody offensive lineman Chad Slade has had his eye on the Auburn Tigers since the time he was old enough to understand the game. 

Slade has always dreamed of playing on the college gridiron and last week on National Signing Day his dream came true. 

At 6’6, 330 lbs., he signed to play Saturdays with his favorite college team, the Auburn Tigers, under the direction of Gene Chizik. 

He chose the university over offers from Tennessee, Louisiana Tech, Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Arkansas State to fill a highly prospective post in the 2010 season.

“I’m ready for it,” Slade said at National Signing Day last Wednesday. “It’s a great day.”

He plans on making his way to Auburn on June 4 after graduating at MHS. 

“It is a big deal to me,” he said. “My cousin, Stacy Danley, went to Auburn as a running back. I just wanted to follow in his footsteps and go to Auburn too. It is a good place with a nice campus and I am glad to go there.”

He first committed to AU on July 27, 2009. 

“Chad Slade has inspired us,” said MHS Principal Dale Stripling. “We are really proud of him and know he is going to be great.”

Slade’s career at Moody High School started four years ago under former Head Coach Matt Glover and continued into the 2009-2010 season under Head Coach Brandon Wiley.

“Coach Glover put my foot in the door and I’m blessed to have him in my life,” said Slade. “Coach Wiley toughened me up and got me ready for this season and for college. They are some of the very best and I am blessed to have them in my life.”

Slade started out at 6’, 180 lbs and has grown through the support of both coaches into what he is today. 

“Both coaches have always wanted me to work hard and pushed me to step up to be a leader,” he said.

Slade holds a 3.2 grade point average and his plans include majoring in criminology at Auburn.

“It seems very interesting and something I have wanted to do for quite awhile,” he said.  He admits he is going to miss Moody High School’s spirit and his friends. He also played basketball and was heavily involved at MHS.

Slade is the son of Nikki and Joseph Shorter and Unseld Slade whom he said have been very supportive. He added they didn’t want him to commit too early, but that they were elated Auburn University was his final decision. 

Slade said he looks up to athletes that remind him to think big and realize that anyone can make it.

“Auburn feels like family,” Slade said. “I’m ready to play and plan on working hard for it.”

 

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