As the old saying goes, better late than never.

Trevin Wade had to sit through 244 selections before hearing his name called, but in the end his lifelong dream still became a reality on Saturday as he was drafted by the Cleveland Browns with the 38th pick in the 7th round.

“Thanks for all the support from family, friends and fans!” Wade tweeted. “#BEARDOWN I love everyone and #GodisGood #GoBrowns.”

Entering the draft Wade was expected to be taken anywhere between the third and fifth round. One draft outlet even had him projected as a late second-rounder.

Nick Foles said before the draft that he thought Wade would “get drafted pretty high.” Former UA quarterbacks coach Frank Scelfo seconded that sentiment, saying he could see Wade going anywhere between the second and fourth round.

As has been the case his entire career, however, the former two-star recruit out of Round Rock, Texas was overlooked for almost seven full rounds.

“It’s college all over again,” Wade told the Daily Wildcat. “I didn’t get that big call until two or three days before signing day. I’m in the same position here. I’m going to take what I got and I’m happy to be a Brown.”

Wade said he had “no idea” why he fell so late into the draft. He also said he hadn’t talked to the Browns until shortly after the combine and teams like the Titans, Jaguars and Broncos were contacting him about signing as an undrafted free agent.

But the Browns came to the rescue for Wade, and he will join head coach Pat Shurmur in Cleveland on a team that’s very much in the rebuilding process after posting a 4-12 record last season.

After selecting running back Trent Richardson and quarterback Brandon Weeden with their first two selections Wade will join a good group of young talent.

Wade worked out with both Weeden and Richardson in Phoenix before the combine and said he’s “really close with those two.” Wade also worked out with Cleveland’s sixth-round pick Emmanuel Acho in Austin leading up to the draft.

So Wade already has some connections in Cleveland, although he’s never been to the city, and he should have the chance to add to an already solid secondary.

With young corner Joe Haden and veteran safeties Mike Adams and Sheldon Brown, Cleveland allowed the second-fewest passing yards in the NFL last season. Wade will only help the cause as he proved during his time at Arizona.

Wade was a second-team All-Pac-12 selection last season and is eighth in UA history in pass deflection with 28. He racked up 12 career interceptions while in Tucson — nine in his first two seasons — and should be able to carve out a career as a productive defensive back in the NFL.

“I’m right back at square one right now and it’s a great feeling,” Wade said. “I’m going to get out there and prove myself and just go crazy.”