Introducing: Shaq Wiggins

Submitted by Ace on

Previously: Tristan Nickelson, Laquon Treadwell, Taco Charlton

Tyrone (GA) Sandy Creek cornerback Shaquille (Shaq) Wiggins is a quickly-rising prospect in the class of 2013, earning ESPNU 150 Watch List and Future Top247 honors. He has a high interest in Michigan, and even had a visit planned for the Notre Dame game that unfortunately fell through, though as you'll see, that had no impact on his desire to come to Ann Arbor.

After an outstanding performance at the Sound Mind Sound Body camp this past summer, he earned a scholarship offer from the Wolverines ($, info in header) to go along with offers from Ohio State, Cincinnati, Ball State, Ohio, and Toledo. Wiggins has already taken visits to Auburn and Florida this season, and also has interest from Clemson, Georgia, Illinois, and Mississippi State, among others. I caught up to Wiggins on the phone after his practice today to talk about his recruitment:

ACE: First of all, you've got an offer from Michigan. Are they an early favorite in your recruitment, and what other teams are recruiting you right now?



SHAQ: There's a lot of schools, including Indiana, Miami, LSU, Notre Dame, Florida State, Tennessee, Oklahoma - there's a few I could name.



ACE: Do you have an early favorites list? Where does Michigan stand with those schools?



SHAQ: Once my other offers stop coming in, I'll probably end up making a top ten or a favorites list then. But yeah, Michigan is one of my favorite teams.



ACE: I know you tried to come up for the Notre Dame game and that didn't end up working out, but have you had a chance to watch the Wolverines at all this season?



SHAQ: Yes, I watched the Notre Dame game, and I liked the way they played defense. I'm 100% sure I'm coming to the game, I think it's November 26th, when they play Ohio State. [Ed-Ace: He nailed the date off the top of his head after a football practice. Impressive.]



ACE: Who have you been in contact with on the coaching staff at Michigan?



SHAQ: Coach Mallory.



ACE: Have you been talking to any of the recruits who are currently committed?



SHAQ: Yeah, I talk to T-Rich [Terry Richardson] now and then. He congratulated me on making the ESPN Watch List, the top 150 watch list. That's about the only Michigan recruit I've talked to.



ACE: Focusing on your high school season, your team is 3-0 right now. What are your stats so far, and what are your goals for this season?



SHAQ: Well I'm trying to get at least eight [more interceptions] so I can get 13 picks. Right now I have five picks this season after the third game.



ACE: I know it's early on in the process, but do you have any idea about a timeline for your recruitment?



SHAQ: I would probably want to commit to a school during my senior [season] so I can get the recruiting process over with.



ACE: For people who may not be familiar with your game, how would you describe how you play on the field?



SHAQ: I would say I'm quick, with good man coverage, and I'm very physical at the line.



ACE: Are there any areas where you're looking to improve right now to get ready for the next level?



SHAQ: Yes. My overall cornerback coverage and just my overall technique, staying with the receiver and turning my hips.

Comments

mejunglechop

September 20th, 2011 at 8:37 PM ^

Hey Ace, since Shaq's from Georgia I found it interesting that all his offers are from midwestern teams (including 2 big ones) any idea as to why that's the case?

Ace

September 20th, 2011 at 8:59 PM ^

Probably has to do with his performance at the SMSB camp, which was in Southfield this summer. He was reportedly quite outstanding, and that's my best guess as to why his offers are all from Midwest schools.

Ace

September 20th, 2011 at 9:01 PM ^

Scout has him listed at 5'10", FWIW. Forgot to ask him, and it's really tough to tell from the highlight video. Certainly a huge difference in terms of his ceiling if he's 5'10" instead of 5'7".

Slim_Hype

September 21st, 2011 at 11:21 AM ^

I seen him at a camp or two over the summer. We both are corners so I got to see him up close and size him up. Hes all of about 5'8 maybe 5'9. Were the same exact height. Dude has skills though.

Omar Comin Yo

September 20th, 2011 at 9:12 PM ^

Looks like a playmaker to me. Regardless of his height. Many smaller corners have proven their worth in college and the NFL.  Ballskills are something this team needs. Sign him up.

Scotthany

September 21st, 2011 at 12:03 AM ^

I get excited then a little disappointed because in my mind :[player's name] is intrinsically linked with a Hello post.  

 

Ah well, I suppose I should relax.  Good interview Ace and looking forward to the recruitment Mr. Wiggins.