Freshman defensive back Josh Wade was a local prep star at Point Loma High School.

Aug. 10, 2008

SAN DIEGO -

Fourth in a daily series during fall training camp, get to know Josh Wade (San Diego/Point Loma HS).

GoAztecs.com: Why did you choose San Diego State?
Wade: This is a beautiful city. I grew up here. I love it, and I feel I can do good things at San Diego State.

GoAztecs.com: What do you think of training camp so far?
Wade: It's going good. I think the guys are working hard. There's a lot of intensity. I think we're going to have a good season.

GoAztecs.com: How does practice at SDSU compare to high school practices?
Wade: They're a lot more intense. They record a lot of things, so you actually get to see yourself on tape working hard, and that drives you even more. People come and watch you, too. There's a lot of competition going on, and that enthusiasm keeps you going...It's a whole new deal. It's exciting and I'm excited to get out to practice every day. There are a lot of meetings going on during the day. You've got to wake up early every day, be focused and stay on top of things.

GoAztecs.com: How was your experience at Camp Pendleton?
Wade: It was good. It was a good way for us to meet a lot of our teammates and interact with them. We slept in the same barracks, and that forces you to talk to your teammates more and get to know them. There were no TVs or anything to occupy you, so you just talked and got to know guys, and I think that will make us stronger as a team.

GoAztecs.com: Since you are from San Diego, what is it about the city you like the most?
Wade: Beautiful weather. The people here are nice. I just couldn't imagine being anywhere else.

GoAztecs.com: Did you do anything fun this summer?
Wade: I had some fun before camp started. I hung with friends and stuff. Then I started focusing on football and worked out with guys. I tried to stay in shape. I ran a lot to try and keep my speed up.

GoAztecs.com: Did you have any memorable football moments in high school?
Wade: Beating the St. Augustine Saints at Mt. Carmel in the playoffs. We had a good game against them in the rain. It was one of my first games in the rain. I had a rainy practice one time, but I never played in the rain before. Playing at Qualcomm Stadium (for CIF) the last three years was exciting, too. I also made some big plays for my team, so I liked it when the guys looked up to me as a leader.

GoAztecs.com: Did you compete in other sports in high school?
Wade: I ran track. I ran the 100, 200, 400 and relays. I ran the 400 my freshman year, then by the time I was a senior, I specialized in the 100.

GoAztecs.com: What has defensive backs coach Chris Ash been working with you on the most in camp?
Wade: He's been coaching me up, telling me to keep my eyes out of the backfield. I have a habit of trying to spy on the backfield and get interceptions. So I have to work on my back-pedaling, breaking on balls and focusing on the receiver more. But with time, I think I'll get it down.

GoAztecs.com: What are your goals for the upcoming season?
Wade: I want to get better. I want to work on my foot speed, breaking on balls, learning the plays and learning the formations, alignments and my assignments. I want to work on my tackling a bit. I want to focus, get good grades and help my team in any way I can.

GoAztecs.com: What is your favorite pro sports team?
Wade: I like the Chargers. They're doing good things with Antonio Cromartie and LT. (Saints running back) Reggie Bush is one of my favorite players, too.

Go Aztecs.com: If you were a contestant on "American Idol," what song would you sing if you made it to the finals?
Wade: "Nice and Slow" by Usher

Monday's profiles: freshman TE D.J. Shields and freshman DL J.J. Autele