Getting to know new BYU commit, SS/CB Ethan Slade (Class of 2019)

Orem high school ball hawk Ethan Slade is the latest to make a verbal commit to play for the Cougars (Class of 2019).

Thank you @kalanifsitake for giving me the chance to play ball at BYU! I am excited to prove myself at the next level! I am COMMITTING to Brigham Young University! #GoCougs 🤙🏼 pic.twitter.com/9Od6KnvkZ2

— Ethan Slade (@ethanmslade) February 4, 2019

Slade preps at Orem High School, where as a senior he rushed twice for 14 yards and a touchdown, caught four passes for 95 yards (23.8 avg), and had four two point conversions.  On defense he had 96 tackles (50 solo), with six tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble, 24 passes defended, and EIGHT interceptions with three returned for touchdowns.  He also returned four kickoffs for 170 yards (42.5 avg) and two touchdowns, and one punt for a 58 yards touchdown.  Slade led the state in interceptions (4A) and helped his team to back-to-back state titles. 

As a junior Slade had 125 total tackles (60 solo) with 16 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, 22 passes defended, one forced fumble, three fumbles recovered for 50 yards and a touchdown, and six interceptions returned 147 yards.  He also plays on the Orem basketball team.

Slade has seen recruiting interest from Air Force, Navy, Southern Utah, Utah, and Utah State.  He will join BYU as a preferred walk-on.

I caught up with Slade to ask him about his recruiting.

BYU Insider: Why did you choose BYU?

Slade:  Because it felt like home.  I loved all the coaches, just felt like a good fit. I look forward to creating relationships with my new teammates and coaches and am excited for all the memories that are going to come.

BYU Insider: What other schools were showing you love in the recruiting process?

Slade:  SUU, Utah State, Navy, Utah, Air Force

BYU Insider: What are some of your favorites?

Slade:  The Lord of the Rings movies and my favorite musical artists are Drake, Kendrick, and J.Cole.

BYU Insider: What is one of your greatest accomplishment in sports?

Slade:  Winning back-to-back state championships with Orem.

BYU Insider: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Slade:  My head coach at Orem (Jermey Hill) told me to use all my anger and competitive edge to my advantage by working hard. So that’s what I did. I hate to lose so I make sure that no one is out working me.

BYU Insider: Who is a current player that you seek to emulate on the field?

Slade:  Russell Westbrook because he just has a competitive nature about him that makes him so fun to watch, so every time I play I want to play with as much energy as he does.

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If you have any additional information or insight about this recruit, please include it in the comment section below.