On the Plains with Dillon Wade: 'Whatever the team needs'

AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn fans are used to seeing Dillon Wade on the Tigers’ offensive line. They’re just not sure where No. 52 will line up.

Mr. Versatility, Wade played every O-line position but center last season, including more than 100 snaps at three spots.

A high school tackle in Houston, Texas, Wade played left tackle at Tulsa before transferring in 2023 to Auburn, earning the starting left tackle position that season.

“(Offensive line) Coach (Jake) Thornton was a big reason for me coming to Auburn,” Wade said. “He really had the vision I wanted to follow. It seemed like a perfect fit that the system in place was perfect for me to come here.”

Last year, Wade displayed his adaptability, starting six games at left guard before moving back to left tackle for the last five games. 

“Last year, we tried me at guard,” Wade said. “Now I’m getting center reps in my free time. It’ll help me at the next level, hopefully.”

Dillon’s favorite position? “Whatever the team needs me to play,” he said. 

With only 53 spots on NFL rosters, Wade sees his versatility as his ticket to professional football.

When you can play multiple positions, says Wade, “You’re more valuable.”

With transfer tackles Xavier Chaplin and Mason Murphy joining Auburn’s O-line room, Wade moves back inside to left guard for the 2025 season.

“It’s a great fit for me,” he said. 

Last December, Wade announced on social media that he would remain at Auburn for his third season on the Plains, his sixth in college football including Covid and redshirt seasons at Tulsa. 

“Auburn is contagious,” Wade said. “It didn’t feel right leaving. Another year was only right.”

In addition to playing left guard or wherever else he’s needed, Wade seeks to fulfill another role this season, as a leader by example.

“I’m trying to teach everyone the rule of greatness,” he said. “It’s about giving maximum effort and doing the best you can every single day. Give your all to your team because we give each other our best. We’re all trying to get greater every single day.”

After a summer workout with his fellow offensive linemen, Wade did not mince words when assessing the veteran unit’s potential for 2025.

“We’re looking like the best O-line in the nation as of today,” Wade said.

It’s been an eventful offseason for Dillon Wade, beginning with his graduation from Auburn University last December in sociology.

“I’m very thankful I was able to achieve that goal,” he said. 

Then on March 31, Wade married former Auburn women’s tennis standout Selin Ovunc.

“I’m thankful,” said Wade, expressing his goal now that’s married. “Be a great husband to my wife.”

Looking back on his first two seasons at Auburn, what stands out to Wade is what happens before games.

“Tiger Walk is a magical experience,” he said. “You can watch it on television. It’s not the same. You can only experience it if you’re at the Tiger Walk.”

Then it’s time for kickoff. 

“It’s the most electrifying stadium I’ve ever been in,” Wade said. “You can literally feel the energy from the fans. It gives me goosebumps just thinking about playing in Jordan-Hare. I love it.”

Wade appreciates everything Auburn offers, from first-class facilities to coaching to sports medicine. 

“The amount of resources truly available is what first stood out to me,” he said. “You hear it all the time that Auburn has all these resources, but to actually see it in front of you is kind of ridiculous.”

Listed at 6-4, 303 pounds, Wade has maximized Auburn’s nutrition and strength and conditioning programs, after being listed at 290 pounds at Tulsa.

“When I got to Auburn, I was able to gain weight and get stronger in all areas because of the resources we have here,” he said. “It’s a blessing. Now I see why people dream of coming to Auburn. If I grew up seeing all that Auburn had to offer, I wouldn’t have wanted to go anywhere else. I’d pick Auburn any day over any other.”

Focused fully on football, Dillon Wade has yet to determine which career to pursue after he’s finished playing. He does, however, invite Auburn fans to go along for the ride this fall. 

“You should tune into this season because it will be a great one.” 

Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on X: @jeff_shearer