SBNation.com User Blog: GriffKurz

Former Deacon Aaron Curry Signs With New York Giants

GriffKurz — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 22:02:51 -0000

Aaron Curry, a former Wake Forest All-American, signed a one-year contract with the New York Giants on Friday after being released by the Oakland Raiders in November of last year.

The former No. 4 pick played three seasons with the Seattle Seahawks and one season with the Raiders before being released. The outside linebacker recorded 203 tackles and 5.5 sacks until his career was derailed by a lingering knee injury.

Giants GM Jerry Reese acknowledged to ESPN.com that the knee issues are serious:

"I think that is part of the problem; he has had some knee injuries that have hampered him a little bit."

However, the 27-year-old Curry should see significant time because of the Giants lack of consistent linebacker play. A four-year starter with the Demon Deacons, Curry is fighting with Keith Rivers for the starting job.

Reese feels optimistic about what the Fayetteville, North Carolina native can bring to the table, telling ESPN.com:

"We think we have a good opportunity for him to see if he can re-invent himself a little bit and bring something to our linebacking corps. If he didn't work out well for us, we wouldn't be fooling around with this."

Curry has all the physical tools to become a solid contributor. If he can stay healthy, he should thrive in the Meadowlands in 2013.

Deacon Club Poll

GriffKurz — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 18:33:14 -0000

Hey everybody,

There has been a lot of talk about if/how much to donate to the Deacon Club this year. Should fans protest the Athletic Department and donate the bare minimum or donate more to support the athletes and the University?

I am working on an investigative report on the Deacon Club that will look into these issues and will post my findings in a few weeks. I would like to get some valuable statistics comparing the membership (and amount of donations) for this year from past year's. I would appreciate if as many people participate in the poll as possible and I would love to speak to people who feel passionately on the topic.

Go Deacs.

Hey everybody,

Go Deacs.

Poll

Has your donations to the Deacon Club changed in recent years? By how much?

I never donated

7 votes

I stopped donating

14 votes

Reduced donations by $1-500

1 votes

Reduced donations by $501-1000

1 votes

Reduced donations by $1001-5000

3 votes

Reduced donations by more than $5000

1 votes

Increased donations by $1-500

2 votes

Increased donations by $501-1000

0 votes

Increased donations by $1001-5000

4 votes

Increased donations by more than $5000

0 votes

33 votes | Poll has closed

Adversity Only Makes Daniel Green Stronger

GriffKurz — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 22:40:55 -0000

For Daniel Green, Wake Forest’s starting center, the season was over before it started.

In the fourth quarter of a preseason game against Canada’s Brock University, Green jumped for a rebound and landed awkwardly. The 6-foot-10 sophomore plummeted to the floor in pain.

The next day, his worst fears were realized; Green tore his ACL, and had to miss the entire 2012-2013 season.

“It didn’t hit me right away,” the Colleyville, Texas native recounted, “I walked back to my room and it wasn’t until a few hours later that I felt terrible.”

As a freshman, Green played 27 games off the bench, averaging 1.4 points and 1.7 rebounds in 7.4 minutes. He displayed a refined skillset, but lacked the ACC body—listed generously at 210 pounds—to play consistent minutes.

Green worked tirelessly in the offseason, spending double-sessions on the basketball court and in the gym. He improved his shooting range past the foul line and gained 15 to 20 pounds of muscle. At the Triad Pro-Am in the summer, Green looked like a completely different player. He dominated the interior offensively and defensively, helping his team win the championship.

Teammates glow when they speak of Green’s work ethic. Senior point guard Spencer Jennings stated, “He is the hardest working kid I know. He made great strides in the offseason.” With seven freshmen joining the Deacs this season, “The Silent Assassin” led with his relentless drive.

Many fans and media members predicted a breakout year for Green, but three weeks before opening night, his year was finished. Head coach Jeff Bzdelik said to the Winston-Salem Journal, “I just feel so bad for the young man because he had worked so hard. Life happens, as we all know in sports.”

Some players may have felt sorry for themselves, but not Green. He used his struggles as his motivation and the team’s recent failures as his inspiration. “I had to stay positive,” Green says, “I’m trying to get healthy and get ready for a breakthrough season.” Following surgery, he immediately started on a rehab regimen four times a week for an hour and a half per session.

However, Green struggled watching his teammates take the court without him, “It was really hard. The team was young and I could’ve made a difference.”

But from the sideline, he learned a lot about his teammates, the game and himself, “Life can be thrown at you so quick. You never know when it can be your last game,” Green reflected on the team, “We needed more leadership on the court. We didn’t know how to play through adversity. I think I can handle [adversity] better now.”

The Demon Deacons finished 13-18, tied for 10^th in the ACC. Their biggest flaw? They lacked the frontcourt size and strength that Green provides, finishing 261^st in the nation with 32.5 rebounds a game.

Less than six months after the injury, Green still wears a brace each day and experiences some soreness in the knee but he has begun participating in basketball-related drills and agility training. He expects to be at full strength by July.

When asked about his goals for next season, Green didn’t hesitate, “Get to the NCAA Tournament and possibly win it all.”

For individual goals, he kept using the word “breakthrough.” But for people that know Green, this would come as no surprise.

Because people that know Daniel Green expect him to break through.

Yellow Jackets Sting the Deacs

GriffKurz — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 04:41:47 -0000

The home streak is done.

Worst refs since sixth grade rec league.

But that's no excuse.

For how poorly the Deacs played today, they still had no business losing. They could not follow up the embarrassment at BC with a worse result... This marks only the team's second home loss in the ACC this season (the other being Duke). Georgia Tech is 4-8 in conference, good for ninth in the ACC, two of those wins are at the hands of the Deacs.

Overall, a really frustrating game so I will break it down with "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly."

The Good:

Free throw shooting: As they have been all season, the Deacs got to the line early and often and were an impressive 23-25 (92%) from the charity stripe. CJ Harris led the way going 7-7, and even Devin Thomas was 3-3 and Arnaud Adala Moto was 6-8 (far better than his season average of 56%). Their ability to hit free throws kept them in this game.

Defense: The Deacs held GT to 57 points on the day and 39% from the field, over seven points below average. By no means are these Yellow Jackets an offensive juggernaut, shooting a tad over 41% on the season, but the Deacs held their own on defense.

Blocks: Wake Forest effectively protected the rim, totaling eight blocks. Four of these came from Aaron Rountree in only 15 minutes of action. Devin Thomas had two and Andre Washington and Chase Fischer each had one.

Devin Thomas: DT put up another one of his classic stat lines-- 9 points (3-6 shooting) and as mentioned above 3-3 from the line and 12 rebounds. I hope he becomes more of a focal point on offense to increase the team's presence in the paint. He had twice as many rebounds as anyone else on the floor. Thomas continues to provide the team with a lot of energy and contained the Yellow Jackets big men. Once this kid develops a right hand, he will be near unstoppable.

The Bad:

Three-point shooting: The team finished 5-20 from behind the arc. This is well below their season average of .346%. In my opinion, this is far too many three point attempts for a team largely bereft of great shooters. Travis made two of his six attempts (out of 13 total shots), but I want him to use his strength to attack the hoop more.

Turnovers: A team cannot turn the ball over 17 times and expect to win! Yes, this team is near the bottom of the ACC averaging over 14 per game, so its not uncommon, but it is still unacceptable.

Bench: The bench combined for a total of seven points, going 2-12 from the field. If these guys can't step up, then the starters will be forced to play more minutes and will be more tired at the end of the game. Plain and simple.

The Ugly:

The Shooting: A horrid 14-48, equaling 29% from the field. With these numbers, how does a team expect to compete? As alluded to before, almost half of the team's shots (20 out of 48) were from behind the arc. Overall, the Deacs were very stagnant on offense and failed to create space. Many possessions had no interior touches or aggressive moves at the basket. This resulted in rushed, off-balance three-point attempts as the shot clock waned.

Assists-to-Turnover Ratio: We already mentioned the turnovers, but the Deacs failed to create looks for their teammates. A grand total of six assists, compared to 17 turnovers. That just won't cut it in the ACC.

Coaching: Considering all that's stated above, the Deacs were clinging to a four point lead with two minutes left. The crowd was in full force behind the team. Following a flurry of timeouts, the team came away empty-handed. Meanwhile, the Yellow Jackets scored off both of their timeouts in the final two minutes. The team appeared at unease and were unsure of what they were doing (Rountree's ill-advised turnover leading in the final minute). Also, the 16 footer to Devin Thomas with 2.2 seconds left was a complete disaster. I understand he was the third option, but as a coach, you have to find a way to get McKie or CJ the ball in space...

Refs: The referees called a ticky-tack game to say the least. It hurt the Deacs much more than it hurt GT. Some truly atrocious calls down-the-stretch stunned me. I was befuddled by those flagrants and technicals called in the first half. The offensive foul calls on CJ and Codi were also just absurd.

But that is by no means an excuse for the result. The only person the Deacs can blame for this result is themselves.

Wake Forest has a much-needed week off before taking on soon-to-be #2 in the nation Miami at the Joel next Saturday.

Deacon Dump: National Signing Day

GriffKurz — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 18:10:27 -0000

The War Room
Here's a breakdown of the Demon Deacons' commits from a week ago and who the Deacs are interested in.

DeaconsIllustrated.com - Stubblefield replaces Galloway
Wake Forest has hired New Mexico's wide receiver coach Taylor Stubblefield to fill the same position and replace Lonnie Galloway. The former All-American receiver at Purdue finished second in Big Ten history with 3,629 receiving yards. He played in the NFL with the Panthers and Rams.

Armstrong commits to Wake
Speedster John Armstrong committed to the Deacs during his official visit over the weekend. Armstrong, who runs a sub 4.5 40 yard dash, is expect to contribute as a slot receiver, and running back in the Wildcat, which is how he was employed at Olympia High School in Florida.

Ejiofor: “I'm all in”
Defensive end Duke Ejiofor make his commitment official at breakfast with Jim Grobe and assistant Dexter Jackson. Ejiofor possesses the speed and versatility to play hybrid outside linebacker, as well.

Lee off to strong start
Linebacker Marquel Lee is among three players from the 2013 class who graduated from high school in December and arrived on campus a semester early.

Wake pushes for Ceesay
The Deacs like what they see from UPenn commit Solo Ceesay. The defensive end remains committed to the Quakers, but will visit Wake to see what the program has to offer.

70-yard field goal - YouTube
Little information is published about recently committed kicker Mike Weaver from Elmira, New York. Though, I did find this video he posted on YouTube. Consistent or not, he has a boot!

Dothan linebacker Julian Thomas commits to Wake Forest - Dothan Eagle: High School
The Deacs went outside their usual recruiting grounds to pick up outside linebacker Julian Thomas-Jackson from Alabama. He entered the recruiting conversation late, but his physicality and strength proved enough for Coach Dexter Jackson to make a scholarship offer.

Jaylen Miller - Football Recruiting - Player Profiles - ESPN
The prized defensive end from South Carolina has been on the Deacs radar for over a year. He had a tremendous visit in Knoxville last week. He comes to Winston-Salem this weekend for his final visit. Can the Deacs reel in this stud, who will make an immediate impact?

Badet has Wake in his mix
Wide receiver Jeff Badet had a "good bond, relationship" with recently-departed Coach Lonnie Galloway, so it remains to be seen what kind of impact that will have on him. He is between Wake, NC State and Kentucky.

Scout.com: Calvin enjoys WFU official
Cornerback Cydney Calvin from Texas had a great visit in Winston-Salem several weeks back. The sub 4.5 speedster believes he can contribute right away for the Deacs. He has finished his official visits and is deciding between Wake and TCU.

Deacs promoting themselves better than before

GriffKurz — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 00:21:36 -0000

In the past few weeks, the Demon Deacons have been shuttled around campus by the Sports Marketing Department to personalize the members of the basketball team. The Deacs spoke at several Greek life organizations and a variety of different clubs. The players introduced themselves, spoke briefly about their background and discussed how important it is for students to attend games. Then, they took any questions from the group and high-fived their fellow students.

Think about it, in high school, if you had a friend on the football team, you went to the games. Same logic stands here.

In the three seasons under Jeff Bzdelik, there have been complaints that the players appeared distant to students. There are a few reasons for the diminished relationship between the students and players. Firstly, the constant revolving door of players has hindered the continuity. Center Carson Desrosiers, for example, was well-known among non-athletes, but transferred to Providence this season. Overall, eight players were dismissed or transferred from the program. This year's roster has only one scholarship senior and one junior. Secondly, Bzdelik is often characterized as aloof--which is maybe harsh-- but he does not sufficiently express his passion about Wake Forest hoops to students and fans. One of his weaknesses is his ability to galvanize fans--something Skip Prosser thrived at. Thirdly, their has been a dearth of publicity events like these on campus in recent years.

It is a promising sign that the hoops hierarchy learned from its recent failures and reached out to its biggest supporters, the fans.

And look at the results? The first home game following their campus-wide media tour was Bzdelik's biggest win in his three years, a monumental 86-84 upset of rival NC State. The student turnout was unbelievable. The entire bottom level was filled, something that has been a rarity in recent years. Also, the diversity of the students was evident. I never saw so many sorority girls and theater majors at a sporting event.

When talking to the Screamin' Demons, C.J. Harris explained that a cacophonous student section provides the team with a pulse and a greater sense of motivation. I think that statement held true in the tremendous upset of the Wolfpack. This was the loudest the Joel has been in recent memory. I would be remiss to dismiss the great performances of the Deacs (see: Devin Thomas, the man child), but it is no coincidence that this is the Harris and the senior class's first win against an in-state ACC foe.

Games like these are moments that the players and students, alike, won't ever forget. Whether the student is an avid fan or this was the first game they attended, there are few experiences like storming the court. These great memories bring fans back to the Joel. And more importantly, these memories foster a sense of community. Moments like these unite students together and make Wake Forest the great institution it is.

After the game, hoards of ecstatic students rolled the Quad. The thrilled fans turn around and who do they see? The entire basketball squad. The players still soaking in the euphoria, seized the moment and joined their peers in pictures and high-fives and tossed toilet paper into the trees.

Trailing the pack, a suited man appeared, eager to embrace the festivities. He, too, took pictures and high-fived fans.

Who, but Jeff Bzdelik.

Moving Forward: The List of Potential Wake Forest Head Coaching Candidates

GriffKurz — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 21:50:55 -0000

The year was 2010.

I spent this summer heading into my senior year of high school with college applications and visits on my mind. Hours of tireless research, college discussions, and of course, standardized tests.

From start to finish, Wake Forest hovered on the top of my college list. I loved everything about it. Elite academic institution. Aesthetics are second to none. Picturesque weather. Perfect size of the student body. Top notch basketball program.

Yes, the success of the basketball program heightened my interest.

The Demon Deacons were a model for consistency, reaching postseason play 16 straight seasons-the longest active streak in the ACC. Year in and year out, the Deacs contended with in-state rivals Duke and UNC for ACC championships. They produced a plethora of NBA stars including Tim Duncan and Chris Paul. Opponents feared the hostile sea of Black and Gold that was Tie-Dye Nation.

Back to Reality

We all know the numbers under Jeff Bzdelik:

21-42 in his first two seasons. Eight transfers and dismissals to five ACC wins. Dismal crowds at the Joel.

I'm growing a beard out here since the Deacs last had a major win - literally.

But I am not here to relish about the recent past or present.

In all likelihood, the Deacs will have a new coach next season. I foresee us nabbing a youthful, charismatic coach that is relentless on the recruiting trail, one that is not afraid to go head-to-head with Duke, UNC and NC State. I envision a coach who has a true identity and creates chaos on defense. We need a guy who gets the most out of his players and prides himself at developing young talent (ten freshman and sophomores next season). We must hire a coach who can connect to the fans and make the Joel an imposing environment once again. And finally our next coach needs to foster a learning environment and stress the importance of integrity. Jeff Bzdelik, to his credit, restored a positive culture.

Sounds like a difficult job description ... well, yes, it is. Our program is at a crossroads - a return to prominence or an extended stay in the ACC cellar.

Wake Forest struck out looking on the last two hires.

We need to hit a home run on this one.

Interesting things to note:

Several potential head coaches have ties to Wake Forest as players or assistants under Skip Prosser. Some fans want to start anew because of the recent failures we have endured. Others seek to maintain continuity because these coaches know "The Wake Way" and how to succeed in Winston-Salem. It is irrelevant. Wake needs to search aggressively to find the right coach for this team, this university, this community and this fan base, Wake ties or not.

A complicated and unknown issue is how much Wake Forest is willing to spend to return to prominence. Before being fired, Dino Gaudio received an extension through the 2013-2014 season. The details of the buyout clause in his contract are not public, but he is still being paid by the university. Wake could face the same issue with Bzdelik. On top of that, Wake Forest will have to pay for a buyout to the University whose coach they hire- usually in the upper six to lower seven figures. Then they have to agree to terms with the head coach. Add this up and Wake Forest could be paying three contracts and a lump sum at once, equaling at least $3-4 million in the first year and over $2 million in subsequent years. So the unknown question is: at what cost is the administration willing to pay for success?

Without further ado, here's a list of coaches that we should target.

Long-Shots

Mark Few- Gonzaga Head Coach (14th season)
Record: 352-91

Age: 49

The Fit: Mark Few is one of the best coaches in the nation. He took a university from obscurity to the national spotlight. The Zags went from a Cinderella story to a consistent contender. The Bulldogs have made the NCAA tournament in all of Few's 13 seasons and reached four Sweet 16s. As usual, the Bulldogs are an offensive juggernaut, averaging over 81 points a game, 13th in the nation and are second in the nation with a remarkable 52.3% field goal percentage. Few is a phenomenal talent evaluator, developer and recruiter. He is the best mid-major coach, maybe of all time, but he is still a mid-major coach for a reason. Because he has spurned droves of major conference job offers.

Likelihood: Few would return Wake back to respectability immediately, but don't expect him to leave the Zags. Few, born in Oregon and alum of University of Oregon, is a Northwest guy at heart and there is almost no chance he comes to Winston-Salem. From his perspective, why would he leave a program in contention year-in and year-out to rebuild? I hate to say it, but Few is the least likely candidate on this list. Unless the Ducks are looking for a coach, I think he stays at Gonzaga long-term.

Dave Rice- UNLV Head Coach (2nd season)
Record: 34-10

Age: 44

The Fit: Through tremendous recruiting and phenomenal coaching, Dave Rice has put UNLV back on the national landscape. The Runnin' Rebels made their presence known with an upset victory over UNC last season and are currently ranked inside the Top 25. A former player and assistant under the legendary Jerry Tarkanian, Rice runs a fast-paced, entertaining offense that thrives on rapid ball movement. The team is sixth in the NCAA with 18.1 assists per game and averaging over 80 points a game. Ruthless on the recruiting trails, Rice managed to reel in the seventh ranked recruiting class, according to ESPN, including three Top 100 recruits. The savvy Rice nabbed five-star Anthony Bennett is one of the top freshman, averaging 19.4 points and almost nine rebounds a game. Rice and these freshmen have brought excitement back to Las Vegas (sound familiar... our dreams?).

Likelihood: Rice is coaching at his alma mater. He served as an assistant at UNLV for 11 seasons. He precipitated a complete culture reversal. He just brought in one of the nation's best recruiting classes. He is a West Coast guy that has never lived east of Utah. He appears to be living his dream. Unless he wants a radical change of scenery or seeks the allure of a big conference, Wake has two chances-slim and none.

Shaka Smart- Virginia Commonwealth Head Coach (4th season)
Record: 89-31

Age: 35

The Fit: Shaka Smart is the perfect coach to restore credibility to Demon Deacons. Besides renaming Wait Chapel in his honor, the university should do whatever it takes to hire him. If he wants to choose his assistants and receive a pay raise from the $1.2 million he currently earns, I support it. His coaching prowess is clear; he put the Colonials on the national landscape with an improbable Final Four appearance. But his ability to galvanize a fan base makes him especially attractive. He exudes the passion and intensity that will bring fans back to the Joel. Tie-Dye Nation would drool over his frenetic "havoc" defense that forces turnovers through full-court presses and intricate trapping schemes. On top of it all, he is a strong recruiter.

Likelihood: Smart has already turned down offers from larger universities like Illinois. A member of the 1999 USA Today All-USA Academic Team, Smart values strong academics. So maybe, just maybe, the academic rigors of Wake Forest, coupled with a private, down-to-earth environment would entice Smart. But don't count on it.

Brad Stevens- Butler Head Coach (6th season)
Record: 146-42

Age: 36

The Fit: Rumor has it that after Gaudio was fired, Wellman had his sights set on Brad Stevens as the next Wake head coach until Stevens reached the NCAA Championship Game and quickly came to terms on an extension. The rest is history. Stevens reached another title game the following season and the Deacs fell into a black hole. It would be a brilliant move for the Deacs to rewrite the unwritten. Like Smart, Stevens is a scholar earning three-time Academic All-America. Stevens exudes a calm nature, rarely raising his voice or arguing with referees. He prefers positive reinforcement, which rubs off on his players and allows them to maximize their performance. Through his keen scouting and ability to exploit the opponents' weaknesses, the Bulldogs defeat higher profile, more athletic teams-evidenced with the upset of #1 Indiana this past weekend.

Likelihood: Brad Stevens has been linked to several major programs including Illinois and Oregon. There is little reason to believe Wake Forest is any different. He seems comfortable getting mid-major recruits and molding them into a cohesive unit that has proven it can contend. "First and foremost, I'm loyal to Butler," Stevens said to the AP. When asked if he would ever leave Butler, Stevens replied "I guess if they kicked me out." But the Deacs should do whatever they can to lure him. Never say never.

Buzz Williams- Marquette Head Coach (5th season)
Record: 102-46

Age: 40

The Fit: Could the Deacs actually fire Buzz to hire Buzz? Williams has led Marquette to the NCAA tournament in his four seasons as the head coach. The past two, he reached the Sweet 16. He possesses a unique spunk and fiery enthusiasm that the Wake Forest program severely lacks. His team thrives on team play, averaging 32nd in the nation in assists and plays strong, physical defense. Buzz often states that "toughness beats talent every time." Few teams outhustle and outwork a Buzz Williams-coached team. Because of his blue collar style, he easily connects with fan bases, fostering pride and team spirit. Since his arrival, Marquette has consistently ranked in the top 15 in nation in attendance. Most importantly, Williams has a tireless work ethic, evident through his recruiting and his unsung road to coaching success. His first job involved pilfering stationary at a small school in Oklahoma as a means to begin his coaching career. On top of it all, he knows how to Walk it Out.

Likelihood: Several schools have attempted to lure Buzz Williams from the Golden Eagles, including Texas Tech, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Speculation has circled that he plans to leave, though he has refuted these claims, stating he has every intention to stay in Milwaukee. The recent announcement of the Catholic Seven's departure from the Big East adds a wrinkle to the situation. Does the uncertainty of Marquette's future change his mind? I am confident Wake Forest will do their due diligence to see if they can pry Buzz to Winston-Salem.

Realistic Candidates

Chris Mack- Xavier Head Coach (4th season)
Record: 80-32

Age: 42

The Fit: The Skip Prosser disciple and former Wake Forest assistant coach has done a great job at Xavier, his alma mater. Chris Mack was so devastated by the loss of Prosser that he gave up basketball for a year. In 2011, he was presented with the Skip Prosser Man of the Year Award for his exhibition of a strong moral character. Today, he honors Prosser with his sustained success and his similar coaching style. Under Mack, the Musketeers have continued to dominate mid-majors and make noise come March Madness. They have reached the NCAA tournament all three seasons and advanced to the Sweet 16 twice. Mack is renowned for his unmatched intensity and relentless competitive spirit, which he takes to practice, games and in recruiting. He brought in the 16th ranked recruiting class, according the ESPN (seven spots higher than the Sensational Seven). Don't forget, Xavier has produced a plethora of successful head coaches in major conferences-Sean Miller, Thad Matta and Skip Prosser, consecutively.

Likelihood: Mack has always revered who Skip was and what he represented. I believe if he had am desire to join a major conference, a return to Winston-Salem would be at the top of the list. He could be the man to resuscitate the program and perpetuate Skip's legacy and vision. He understands better than anyone else the demands and requirements for success in a state led by Krzyzewski, Williams and Gottfried. Don't forget, Coach Mack will return to the Joel for the Skip Prosser Classic on Jan. 2. It should be interesting to see how he handles the crowd and if he comments on the current state of the program.

Gregg Marshall- Wichita State Head Coach (6th season)
Record: 302-142

Age: 49

The Fit: Gregg Marshall is one of the most consistent coaches on this list. Year in and year out, his team performs at a high level. Marshall is an uber-competitor and expresses his passion on the court. He is one of the most enthusiastic and energetic coaches in the nation. At the helm of Winthrop and Wichita State, he led eight teams to the NCAA tournament and won the NIT in 2011. He knows what it takes to win and has an unyielding drive to succeed. At Winthrop, he won the conference an unprecedented six out of nine seasons. He left the Eagles for the Shockers and started 11-20. Two years later, he finished 25-10. And last year, with his full crop of recruits, he won the competitive Missouri Valley Conference. Marshall is a known for his strong recruiting skills. In 2012, he signed an ESPN Top 100 player along with a quality cast of performers.

Likelihood: Marshall grew up and coached in South Carolina for many years so it would be no surprise if he wants to leave the Great Plains and return to the South. Wake fans would love his intensity and he would fit well with the Deacs. The Shockers were a preseason Top 25 team; in time, he has the necessary resources to produce better results at Wake.

Dave Paulsen- Bucknell Head Coach (5th season)
Record: 338-179

Age: 48

The Fit: Dave Paulsen has been through the rungs as an NCAA coach more than anyone else on this list. He spent over a decade at three different Division 3 schools before finally receiving the opportunity to coach in the big leagues. At each step, his teams built a strong foundation and identity. At Williams College, his alma mater, he won the Division 3 National Coach of the Year twice. At Bucknell, he built a dominant program in the Patriot League. After finishing 7-23 and 14-17, in his first two seasons, the Bison went 25-9 and 24-9 reaching postseason play. Paulsen hangs his hat on stout team defense. This season, the Bison have allowed over 70 points only once. Paulsen is also unmatched as a talent evaluator and developer. At the D3 level, all players have inherent flaws, so he gained a keen understanding of eying and maximizing talent. In addition, at Bucknell, Paulsen has relied on one and two-star recruits to win. Imagine with three, four and five stars?

Likelihood: Paulsen has not been stagnant in his long, illustrious coaching career. He has shown time and again his propensity for upward mobility. The jump from the Patriot League to the ACC is substantial. At every stop, Paulsen has fostered success and a strong team environment. Heck, even Bucknell basketball games are packed these days.

Steve Prohm- Murray State Head Coach (2nd season)
Record: 39-3

Age: 38

The Fit: After serving as a Murray State assistant for five seasons, Steve Prohm became the head coach last season bringing the program to new heights. The Racers caught the nation by surprise and finished 31-2. The small school in Kentucky was ranked nearly the entire season. Prohm uses a fast-paced offense that runs in transition and attacks the basket. Murray State is 25th in the nation, averaging over 79 points per game and is 21st in field goal percentage with a 48.2 eclipse. Prohm personality makes him an attractive candidate; he is calm on the sidelines but exudes confidence in his team and his players love playing for him. The only demerits on his resume are (lack of) head coaching experience and that he inherited future NBA first round pick Isaiah Canaan and a loaded senior class. Though, under his watch the Racers improved from 23-9 to 31-2. And he has proved he is a strong recruiter.

Likelihood: Currently with a salary nearly $300,000, Prohm is due for a huge raise, from Murray State or elsewhere. He will have many suitors out for his services. There is still plenty that we don't know about him, but from the naked eye, he appears to have all the attributes of a great coach.

Under-the-Radar

Steve Alford- New Mexico Head Coach (6th season)
Record: 444-229

Age: 48

The Fit: The former college great at Indiana and NBA standout has become a premier collegiate head coach and would be a solid find for Wake on the court. Steve Alford has had success at several stops, including Iowa, before leaving the Big Ten for New Mexico. In a difficult place to recruit, Alford has led the Lobos to 22 wins in five straight seasons, including a share of three Mountain West Conference titles. He possesses a tremendous ability to evaluate and develop talent, which is perfect for the Baby Deacs. Alford runs a balanced, disciplined squad that exploits mismatches. Seven Lobos average over six points a game, but none over 13. From the barren desert, Alford does not have the name recognition of many other candidates, but has the personality and coaching ability to restore Wake to prominence. Though, it is important to note that Hawkeyes fans resent his eight years in Iowa City finishing 61-67 in Big Ten play and winning only one NCAA Tournament game in three appearances. Also, in 2010 he called a BYU player an "extremely vulgar" name in postgame head shakes, according to The Wall Street Journal. Ron Wellman would have trouble rationalizing him as the choice after firing Gaudio for fostering a malevolent culture.

Likelihood: Wake Forest would be remiss to overlook Alford, whose Lobos are currently ranked #17 in the AP Poll. Alford makes do with a dearth of home grown talent, relying on two-star prospects. He would have to consider the return to a major conference to prove his competence at running a top program and silence any doubters. I am sure he would at least contemplate the opportunity to recruit elite high schoolers to fit in his system and, in time, make deep runs in the Big Dance. Though, I think he is a tough sell at Wake Forest. Wellman would look hypocritical if he brought Alford in after stressing integrity and forcing fans to endure three rough years to "cleanse" the program.

Keith Dambrot- Akron Head Coach (9th season)
Record: 296-159

Age: 54

The Fit: Famous for coaching LeBron at St. Vincent St. Mary's High School, Keith Dambrot has made a name for himself on his own merit. He has taken Akron, his alma mater and hometown, through its most successful era in school history. The Zips have won at least 22 games the past seven seasons and in 2009 was named the Best Mid-Major Coach by Dan Wetzel of Yahoo Sports. Dambrot coaches an offensive juggernaut averaging 77 points per game and stresses a balanced, team-oriented attack. This season, no player averages more than 11.4 points per game, but six players average over 8.9. This "starless" identity would work well in Winston-Salem by building continuity with the young core, instead of relying on singular efforts like Wake has all too much. Dambrot is a tremendous motivator and knows how to get the most out of his players. Though, Dambrot had an incident at Central Michigan 21 years ago, which halted his collegiate coaching career for a decade. He was fired for making a controversial comment before a game against Miami University.

Likelihood: Dambrot takes pride in leading his university and city to national prominence. He appears to be satisfied with staying in Akron, though a jump to the ACC would be hard to deny. Because of his age and his past wrongdoings, I think Dambrot is a tough sell at Wake Forest. Though, his mistakes occurred before I was born, so plenty has changed for him. Dambrot has a strong resume and would help the program, but he is not Wake's first choice.

Brett Reed- Lehigh Head Coach (6th season)
Record: 94-62

Age: 40

The Fit: Best remembered for his monumental upset over Duke, Dr. Brett Reed's success is far greater than one game. Like many other men on this list, his intelligence and eloquence are off the charts. Listening to him speak during a postgame got me motivated. This guy is a born leader. He is also an offensive mastermind; the Mountain Hawks average over 16 assists per game and over 80 points per game, while shooting an absurd 48.3 percent from the field. His recruiting stands for itself; Reed found a future NBA first round pick in do-it-all, speedy guard CJ McCollum. Similar to Prohm, though, be weary of his numbers because a lot of his success is due to his star. Reed found a diamond in the rough, because McCollum is a classic late developer. Reed did a tremendous job developing and refining his game, but ultimately there is a lot of luck involved, which skews Reed's success.

Likelihood: Reed holds his players accountable and holds them to strong academic standards. Also, he spent several years coaching in the Triad at High Point and UNC Greensboro. He knows the area well, has connections and understands the recruiting fertility of the region. I am confident he would leave Lehigh in a heartbeat for a chance in the ACC. There are other more touted and experienced candidates, but Reed is a viable option.

Gambles

Tim Fuller- Missouri Associate Head Coach (2nd season)
Record: No head coaching experience

Age: 34

The Fit: The former Wake Forest player from 1996-2000 and assistant from 2004-2006 knows the demands of the Wake Forest program and what it takes to achieve. Tim Fuller is familiar with the area; besides his time at Wake, he worked with NC A&T, Elon and with Chris Paul at West Forsyth High School. Fuller has clawed his way up the coaching ladder and has made a profound impact at each program. Last season, the Tigers returned to national prominence with a 30-5 record. This season Mizzou opened 8-1 with their only loss at the hands of Louisville. Fuller is lauded for his work ethic and determination. He has played and worked under a variety of legendary coaches including Dave Odom, Skip Prosser, Rick Pitino and now Frank Haith. All of them praise his knowledge of the game and his teaching prowess. Earlier this year, ESPN.com named him one of the top 10 assistant coaches under the age of 40.

Likelihood: Fuller has all the makings of a great future head coach, but the time is not right for him to take over the reins in Winston-Salem. He lacks head coaching experience and the Deacs are in no position to wait for Fuller to figure out the learning curve of being a head coach. He needs to coach a mid-major program before Wake seriously considers him.

Pat Kelsey- Winthrop Head Coach (1st season)
Record: 4-4

Age: 37

The Fit: The former Wake Forest assistant was hired by Winthrop this season after serving as the associate head coach at Xavier under Chris Mack. Pat Kelsey took a last year off from the coaching profession because he still was dealing with the loss of Skip Prosser and wanted to spend more time with his family. Through his time off he found a rejuvenated love and passion for the sport and looks to keep the spirit and ideology of Coach Prosser alive. Kelsey took over a 12-20 Eagles team. They have struggled thus far with a 4-4 record including losses to Wofford and Indiana State. It will take time for Kelsey to adjust to his personnel and recruit his own talent. Kelsey stresses the importance of speed on the offensively and defensive end. He states, "We will be a tough, defensive-minded team that will play with a fast, 'downhill' offensive mentality."

Likelihood: Before Kelsey makes the jump to the ACC, he needs to prove his capabilities at Winthrop. He has the coaching experience, knowledge and skill set to become a great head coach, but it takes time to develop an identity. Wake should keep their tabs on Kelsey for the future, not the present.

BSD Writer Picks

Here's who each BSD writer believes the Demon Deacons should hire. The criterion is that the choice had to be a Realistic Candidate, an Under-the-Radar, or a Gamble. No Long-Shot picks.

Bart: Steve Prohm
Griffin: Chris Mack
John: Steve Alford

Matt: Steve Prohm

Matt: Steve Prohm
Riley: Keith Dambrot
Robert: Steve Prohm
Marty: Mike Brown #yolo

Is there anyone else who should be included on the list? Any coach put in the incorrect category? Who do you think should be the next head coach?

Thanks for reading and post your opinions below.

Deacon Dump: Interviews with Jim Grobe and Ron Wellman

GriffKurz — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 20:43:13 -0000

MTOW's Sit-Down With Grobe: Rekindling Magic - Winston-Salem Journal: My Take On Wake
The case can be made that Jim Grobe, though easily the most successful Wake football coach of the ACC era, is a victim of that success. The last four seasons have been hard seasons made even by memories of what the Deacons accomplished by winning the 2006, and to a lesser extent by competing for an Atlantic Division title in 2007 and 2008.

MTOW's Sit-Down With Grobe: Staff I - Winston-Salem Journal: My Take On Wake
After a period of uncommon stability, the Wake staff has undergone a number of personnel changes these past two or three years. Three new coaches were added before the 2011 season, Jonathan Himebauch to coach the offensive line, Tim Duffie to coach the secondary and Derrick Jackson to coach the outside linebackers.

MTOW's Sit-Down With Grobe: Staff II - Winston-Salem Journal: My Take On Wake
Steed Lobotzke, as offensive coordinator at Wake, has been a lightning rod for all that has gone wrong with the Deacons' program these past four years. I know it, you know it and Jim Grobe knows it.

MTOW's Sit-Down with Grobe: Heat - Winston-Salem Journal: My Take On Wake
What, I asked Jim Grobe, was he hearing from the paying customers after four straight losing seasons.

MTOW's Sit-Down With Grobe: 2013 - Winston-Salem Journal: My Take On Wake
Next season's senior class will include Tanner Price, Michael Campanaro, Josh Harris, Frank Souza, Steven Chase, Nikita Whitlock, Zach Thompson, Mike Olson, Justin Jackson, Kris Redding, and A.J. Marshall.

Wellman's Take on Wake Football - Winston-Salem Journal: My Take On Wake
The exam break left me with nothing really to cover, and you know what they say about idle hands being the devil's workshop and all that. So I made my way over to campus a couple of times this past week to talk with Jim Grobe and Ron Wellman and ask them both the same basic question.

Wellman Interview Unabridged - Winston-Salem Journal: My Take On Wake
Today's Winston-Salem Journal ran most of an interview I had last Wednesday with Athletics Director Ron Wellman concerning the state of the Deacons' basketball program. The parts omitted were the casualties of space restraints.

Wake AD tries to smooth things over - College Basketball Nation Blog - ESPN
Last week, Wake Forest radio announced it would discontinue the live call-in portion of its weekly coach's show with head coach Jeff Bzdelik. Athletic director Ron Wellman said the decision was made becuase fans had a tendency to "preach," and "this is our show."

Deacs in the Dominican - Day 1 - The Official Site of Wake Forest Demon Deacon Athletics
Wake Forest arrived in the Dominican Republic and practiced a local field in Boca Chica, just blocks away from the team hotel.

How Maryland's Move Impacts Wake

GriffKurz — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 22:04:25 -0000

Out of all teams in the ACC, Wake Forest is in the worst situation. The entire landscape of college football has endured seismic changes, while Wake wants everything to remain the same. The university still cherishes its rich ACC roots and the education of its players

As an institution of under 5,000 students-- the smallest BCS school-- it does not have the alumni or the fan support of its conference opponents.

As we all witness, the Deacs fail to sell out their 35,000 seat stadium. They fail to bring opposing fans in the stadiums, either, both FSU and Notre Dame did not sell out against us.

The Demon Deacon fan support (I hate to say it) is ranked among the worst. There are certainly many passionate Deac fans, but they are far less in shear numbers compared to its competitors. According to All-American mathematician Nate Silver-- the guy that predicted the presidential election--has the smallest football fan base of any member of an automatic qualifying conference.

Although ranked at #58, Maryland is so appealing because it is a large, strong academic public university that has a proud alumni base. It expands the Big Ten's marketability eastward, providing the conference a step in the door into the D.C. and Baltimore areas.

Wake Forest has Winston-Salem and the greater Piedmont Triad, not exactly a marketable area.

Wake Forest benefits the most of all universities from what the ACC provides. In recruiting, the university emphasizes "we play a top-tier ACC schedule. We participate in top rivalries against in-state schools." The ACC divvies up the television money equally to all schools-- much to the chagrin of the Seminoles--receiving approximately $19 million a year.

The implementation of the $50 million buyout earlier this year made the mass exodus of the ACC appear impossible and assured the longevity of the conference. But with the Terrapins' exit, the conference's future is at stake.

Coach K quoted, "I think the ACC is vulnerable is right now, I'm concerned about our conference."

What do Florida State and Clemson-- who can smell the seared barbecue tailgates of the SEC-- feel about the Terrapins leaving for greener (monetary) pastures? Or Virginia Tech? Or NC State? Or (sigh) UNC?

Would the SEC be able to entice these schools? Virginia Tech AD Jim Weaver stated, "I'd like to defer my comment for right now, but there may potentially be some interest."

Overall, the ACC has strengthened in the past year. The ACC augmented its east coast imprint into Pennsylvania and New York with the additions of Pittsburgh and Syracuse. The conference even brought in Notre Dame for all sports but football-- and will play the Irish in five games. These additions outweigh the most recent loss of the middling Terrapins. But Maryland's departure just reveals that schools still have the option to leave the ACC. It sets up the possibility for disaster.

If the SEC, Big 12 and Big Ten look to expand further-- like vultures-- they eye the opportunities in the ACC. The cataclysmic circumstance is that Clemson, Florida State and other major schools leave for these conferences.

Where does that leave Wake Forest? The closest comparison to our situation is Duke-- a small private academically-driven North Carolina school without big football-- yet a major conference would pounce on the university because of its transcendence in college basketball.

Out of the current 12 ACC schools, the Deacs would be the last pick for other conferences.

Wake Forest do not attract top conferences because today's college football revolves around grossing money and expanding markets-- the Deacs do not help much in either way.

If the expansion continues and the Big Four conferences become 16 team conferences, Mr. Wellman's phone will remain silent.

So where do the Deacs go from here? Maybe a top conference-- like the SEC-- in non-football sports. Conference USA and the Southern Conference would get on all fours and pout like a dog to bring in Wake Forest. But ironically, the Deacs might be best fit elsewhere. A basketball-driven conference that focuses on academics.

The Big East. With Georgetown, Marquette, Saint John's, Villanova and several others, the conference will remain relevant in basketball.

Coach K added, "For my own conference," he said, "its time to circle wagons and take attendance and make sure we have who we have."

For the state of tradition and strong educational ties-- and for Wake Forest's sake-- lets pray the ACC can keep its constituents happy. Here's to a stable present and future of the ACC.

"For my own conference," he said, "its time to circle wagons and take attendance and make sure we have who we have."

Deacon Dump versus Vanderbilt

GriffKurz — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 17:23:10 -0000

DeaconsIllustrated.com - Vanderbilt - WFU Capsule
All important information for Wake Forest's last regular season game against their SEC rival Vanderbilt.

DeaconsIllustrated.com - Jim Grobe and player Q-&-A's
Interviews with Coach Grobe and several players about the upcoming game versus Vanderbilt.

New ACC: 'Old guys vs. new guys?' - College Football Nation Blog - ESPN
NC State coach Tom O’Brien had a brainstorm this week for conference realignment featuring new divisions in 2014: Old guys vs. new guys.

What to watch in the ACC: Week 13 - College Football Nation Blog - ESPN
Here are the top storylines to watch in the ACC in Week 13. Can the ACC sweep the SEC? No question this is a huge weekend for the ACC with nonconference games.

Blogger Debate: SEC vs ACC Rivalry Week - ESPN Video - ESPN

Four matchups between the ACC and SEC this weekend. Who comes out on top?

Price is still the man for Deacons - Winston-Salem Journal: Football
The kind of season Tanner Price has experienced would likely get him benched on many other college-football teams, given he has passed for all of 268 yards over the past two games and continues to rank last in the ACC in passing efficiency.

Bowl may punt on ACC team | The Tennessean | tennessean.com
Vanderbilt is still the only option right now for the Music City Bowl, but there may not be an ACC team available.

The War Room
Here's a list of high school seniors who have committed to Wake and who are currently considering the Deacs. Stay posted for more information on the Class of 2013.

Deacs have to counter Tribe’s experience inside - Winston-Salem Journal: Basketball
Wake Forest has the ACC pedigree but William & Mary of the Colonial Athletic Conference has something that might prove more valuable in Friday's nonconference game at Joel Coliseum.

Coach K concerned about ACC future in aftermath of Maryland move - Pete Thamel - SI.com
Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski is worried about the future of the Atlantic Coast Conference in the wake of Maryland's departure.

Wake Forest sports met with a Demon-ish last weekend

GriffKurz — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 05:05:03 -0000

Friday November 16th:

Everything started off promising. The #3 seeded women's soccer team faced off against Notre Dame in the second round of the NCAA tournament. The heart and soul of this team reached the College Cup last year, why not again? The game looked like ours for the taking, as Kristen Meier gave the Deacs a 1-0 lead. But the pesky Irish retaliated with two second half goals to upend the heavily-favored Deacs. The mighty soccer team has fallen. The one we pinned to contend for a national title. Yeah, that one...

0-1.

As we experienced the frigid weather, Jeff Bzdelik and the basketball team were getting their Jersey Shore tan on in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Later that night, the Deacs played #23 Connecticut in the opening round of the Paradise Jam Tournament. After a feeble performance against Radford, fans didn't expect much. We knew it was an early test against a quality opponent. Yet the Deacs made it a game. Codi Miller-McIntyre did his best CP3 impression torching the Huskies 21 points and five assists. So close ans yet, so far 77-71 Huskies. Though, this game displayed camaraderie and plenty of potential. It finally gave Deacs' fans hope.

0-2.

The women's volleyball team played at a strong Georgia Tech team and lost 3-0. They were expected to lose and followed suit. It served only a blip on the Wake sports meter. But a loss nonetheless.

0-3.

After a real rough night, let's get some sleep. Maybe the morning will bring some good news...

Saturday November 17th:

The Wake Forest football program had their David versus Goliath moment. Their Rudy moment... against Rudy. They traveled to South Bend to take on the #3 Fighting Irish. This was the team's chance to make a statement. To make that highlight play they dreamed about on the national stage. Experience the biggest upset of the year. THUD. Notre Dame dominated this Wake team just as we all predicted. Yet we all held out an ounce of prayer that they could muster a miracle to gain bowl eligibility. Or at least look respectable with the entire country watching. The Deacs didn't even score. 38-0 destruction.

0-4.

Simultaneously, the men's basketball team returned to action fraught with swagger after an impressive showing their prior night. Hopefully they didn't celebrate to hard after the close defeat. Because they sure looked sluggish on the court. Facing off against mid-major Iona-- who played until after midnight in an overtime loss against Quinnipiac the prior night-- the Gaels were sprite with energy. They opened the game on a 41-5 run. Yes, you read that correctly. The team effectively lost all the respectability it gained from the prior night-- and more. Not even I predicted such a pathetic performance. They could take some advice from Jersey Shore, less time tanning, more time in the gym. The final score was 94-68.

0-5.

Long, rough night for Wake Forest. Students, alums and fans alike joined in washing their distaste and sorrows away.

Like in Invictus, following a loss, a rugby player takes a beer and says, "It tastes like sh*t!"

"It's not the beer," Matt Damon's character replies, "I'd like to propose a toast to the taste of defeat. Drink it. (He sips) You're right. It tastes like sh*t!"

Sunday November 18th:

The #15 men's soccer team had their first NCAA Tournament game in the second round-- they had a first round bye-- against Coastal Carolina. These Deacs beat Maryland, the #1 team in the country just two weeks before. We have counted on these guys for wins all season long. They will certainly come through for us. Freshman stud Michael Gamble put us up 1-0 in the fourth minute. Looks promising... The Chanticleers fought back knotting the score at one in the 65th minute. And in overtime, they defeated the Deacs and took our hearts with it. This was the team to make a deep run. This was the game to break a horrific streak. Oh wait...

0-6.

The Lady Deacs basketball team traveled out to #25 Kansas in an early non-conference test. Under first year coach Jen Hoover, they challenged the Jayhawks, clinging to a 27-24 lead at half. But they couldn't avoid the inevitable. The Jayhawks came back and won 64-58. Still a strong performance for the Deacs.

0-7.

Monday November 19th:

My alarm sounded at a prompt 8:52. I rolled over. Only a nightmare, I thought. I checked my phone and realized the truth behind the giant goose egg in the most jam-packed sports weekend of the year.

I amble to The Pit and ponder how our athletes failed. I grab a seemingly plastic bagel and chemically processed eggs. After one bite, I realized. Look at what we are feeding our athletes! That must be it!

Hours later, the Wake Forest basketball program had their chance for redemption to achieve an impressive seventh in the tournament (out of eight) against Mercer. The Bears unsurprisingly open up a eleven point second half lead. Yet the Deacs actually showed some resilience. The duo of Travis McKie and CJ Harris stormed the team way back. McKie had a game-winning slam dunk with 18 seconds left. The entire bench exploded.

Not exactly the Bracket Buster victory we looked for. But who am I to be poke fun at a celebration? We, the fans, know better than anyone else that a win is a win.

I propose a toast to the taste of victory.

Enjoy it and don't forget it.

It could be a long time until we taste the sweetness again.

Deacon Dump: Football and Basketball Face Ranked Opponents

GriffKurz — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 20:19:01 -0000

DeaconsIllustrated.com - WFU - ND Capsule
All the important information regarding the clash between the Demon Deacons and Fighting Irish in South Bend.

Grobe sees a plus in game at Notre Dame - Winston-Salem Journal: Football
Just as there is usually a downside to even the best of circumstances, Coach Jim Grobe of Wake Forest has identified one upside to having to play perhaps the best team in college football at one of the hardest places to play.

Will Reynolds Resurface at Receiver? - Winston-Salem Journal: My Take On Wake
With Wake Forest getting ready to play Notre Dame, it’s impossible not to think about Orville Reynolds.

Notre Dame football: 10-0 ND welcomes Wake - South Bend Tribune
SOUTH BEND -- Notre Dame football coach Brian Kelly knows that the 26 seniors who will be honored on Saturday during Senior Day will be reliving a lot of memories as they play their last game at ND.

Weekly Football Press Conference Video & Quotes - The Official Site of Wake Forest Demon Deacon Athletics
Head coach Jim Grobe and select Deacon players talked with the media to preview this week's game at Notre Dame.

Report: 'Strong Indications' That Tom O'Brien Will Be Fired - Backing The Pack
Well, here's a thing. 247Sports' rumor mill is apparently hearing "strong indications" that Tom O'Brien will not be retained after the 2012 season. The timing is kind of strange coming off a dominating performance over the Deacs.

Kevin Ollie made a resounding statement with his first win. - The UConn Blog
The Deacs have an early test in the Virgin Islands versus the #23 ranked team in the land. This was supposed to be a down year for the Huskies, but first year coach Kevin Ollie started his career with a tremendous win over Michigan State.

Deacons to Face Notre Dame in NCAA Second Round - The Official Site of Wake Forest Demon Deacon Athletics
The football team isn't the only Demon Deacons squad that faces the Fighting Irish. The women's soccer team will take on Notre Dame in Gainesville, Fla. on Friday at 4:30 p.m. in the second round of the NCAA Championship.

Deacs Selected as No. 15 Seed in NCAA Tournament - The Official Site of Wake Forest Demon Deacon Athletics
Wake Forest has been selected as the No. 15 seed in the 2012 NCAA Men's Soccer Championship and will receive a bye in the First Round of tournament play. The Demon Deacons will host the winner of Elon and Coastal Carolina on Sunday night at 5 p.m. at Spry Stadium.

Deacon Dump: Deacs vs Pack & basketball begins

GriffKurz — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 19:21:19 -0000

Another basketball season opens on Friday night against Radford. Sporting seven freshman, this team has tremendous talent, but is a complete unknown. Certainly some promise, but Jeff Bzdelik needs more than potential to keep his job after this season.

Football is one win away from bowl eligibility at rival NC State-- also striving to reach the promise land of six wins. The Wolfpack were embarrassed last week at home by lowly Virginia. How will they respond? The Deacs are coming off a strong home victory over BC, where Michael Campanaro was a monster. But how will Campanaro play with stud cornerback David Amerson covering him?

Both soccer teams have had phenomenal seasons. The #10 Lady Deacs open their campaign to return to the illustrious College Cup at home against Georgia Southern at 7pm. The #13 men's squad will wait until Monday to learn their NCAA Tournament fate.A lot of intriguing sporting events this weekend. Get out and support! Go Deacs!

DeaconsIllustrated.com - WFU-NCSU Capsule
Here's all the necessary information about the battle in Raleigh.

DeaconsIllustrated.com - Grobe and player Q-&-A's
Interviews with Coach Grobe, Michael Campanaro and Tylor Harris about the huge victory over BC and the upcoming road test at NC State.

Wolfpack looks to rebound against Wake Forest - NC State - NewsObserver.com
The NC State season has been a complete roller coaster ride. They entered the season with sky-high expectations-- fulfilled with the upset of Florida State-- only to lose back-to-back to UNC and Virginia. What NC State team will we see on Saturday?

My Take on Wake - Himebauch Earning His Keep | JournalNow.com
Tremendous credit goes to first year offensive line coach Jonathan Himebauch. Only two of the original five starters remain, but he has scraped out a line that, for the most part, has given Tanner Price the necessary time to make reads.

Wake’s Michael Campanaro emerges as a double threat - BostonHerald.com
The Atlantic Coast Conference’s top receiver once again can try to beat teams by throwing the ball. Wake Forest’s Michael Campanaro says his broken right hand has healed enough that "I got my fingers back," and that could make him doubly dangerous.

What is each ACC team playing for? - College Football Nation Blog - ESPN
Only three regular-season games remain. So what is every team in the ACC playing for down the stretch?

Starving for success - Winston-Salem Journal: Basketball
It's now or never for Jeff Bzdelik. He has already had two painful years to weed out the players that didn't buy and has been given ample time to pick his own talent.

ACC 2012-13 College Basketball Preview | AthlonSports.com
Here's a preview to the ACC this season, including predictions for the All-ACC teams and final standings.

10 College Basketball Coaches on the Hot Seat in 2012-13 | AthlonSports.com
No surprise... Jeff Bzdelik is among the 10 head coaches who need to succeed immediately or they will be sent packing.

Ron Wellman explaining the Jeff Bzdelik hire at Wake Forest PARODY - YouTube
For some reason only known to him four years ago Ron Wellman fired Dino Gaudio so he could hire Jeff Bzdelik. And since that move Wake Forest basketball has been a dumpster fire.

Deacs to Host GA Southern in NCAA Championship Opener - The Official Site of Wake Forest Demon Deacon Athletics
The Wake Forest women's soccer team earned a No. 3 seed in the 2012 NCAA Championship and will host Georgia Southern in a first round match on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Spry Stadium.

Virginia Advances Past Deacs in ACC Tourney on PKs - The Official Site of Wake Forest Demon Deacon Athletics
After playing to a 2-2 draw through regulation and a pair of 10-minute overtime periods, Virginia advanced past No. 13 Wake Forest on penalty kicks on Tuesday night at Spry Stadium to move on to the ACC Men's Soccer Championship Semifinals.

Sean Okoli Earns ACC Player of the Week Award - The Official Site of Wake Forest Demon Deacon Athletics
Wake Forest sophomore forward Sean Okoli has been named ACC Player of the Week for the second time in three weeks, as announced by the conference office on Monday afternoon.

Deacon Dump: Boston College

GriffKurz — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 17:31:55 -0000

DeaconsIllustrated.com - BC-WFU Capsule

All the pertinent game information for the battle this weekend in Winston-Salem.

DeaconsIllustrated.com - Jim Grobe and player Q-&-A's
Coach Grobe and several players discuss the incredible offensive display by Clemson and their upcoming game versus Boston College.

Deacons still trying to plug holes on offensive line - Winston-Salem Journal: Football
Wake Forest will again have 10 knees with fully functioning ligaments at the five offensive-line positions this Saturday against Boston College. Considering all the injuries the line has faced, this is no small feat.

Price Far From Perfect - Winston-Salem Journal: My Take On Wake
With all the press surrounding the dearth of healthy bodies, people forget that Tanner Price has not played up to his expectations. Some of this is due to pressure, but he has been missing many throws and making poor reads that he did not make last season. His completion percent is at 52.6%, last season he finished at 60%.

DeaconsIllustrated.com - Revisiting the five keys

How did the Deacs fair in the five keys heading into the Thursday night battle against Clemson on ESPN?

Boston College at Wake Forest: WF Offense vs. BC Defense - Soaring to Glory - A Boston College Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.
Boston College's defense had its best performance against an FBS team this season when Maryland visited last Saturday. How will the struggling Deacs offense match up against the Eagles defense, especially after a full week of practice for All-Universe wide receiver Mike Campanaro.

Boston College Football: Keys To Victory, Wake Forest - BC Interruption
How can the Eagles defeat the Demon Deacons and earn their 3rd victory of the season?

Future Game Changers: Nikita Whitlock - Video - SI.com
On Future Game Changers, SI.com profiles Wake Forest NG Nikita Whitlock, who is making a big impact on the sport.

Park's OT Winner Sends Deacons to Semifinals - Wake Forest Official Athletic Site
The #3 seeded Lady Deacs had a tremendous victory in the first minute of overtime 1-0 over Duke to advance to the ACC Tournament Semifinals against #2 Maryland.

GAME OF THE WEEK: MEN'S SOCCER VS. MARYLAND - Wake Forest Official Athletic Site
The 13th-ranked Wake Forest men's soccer team's ACC regular season finale against No. 1 Maryland Thursday at 7 p.m. at Spry Stadium will be the final game in this fall's Game of the Week program.

Deacon Dump: Short Week vs Clemson

GriffKurz — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 15:41:22 -0000

DeaconsIllustrated.com - Clemson-WFU Capsule
A look at all the pertinent information behind the clash in Winston-Salem on Thursday night.

DeaconsIllustrated.com - Jim Grobe and player Q-&-A's

Interviews with Coach Jim Grobe and many other players discussing the win against the Cavaliers and the upcoming tilt against Clemson.

History says Deacons will muster 'top of our game' performance against Tigers »
Coach Jim Grobe has high expectations for his troops heading into a battle with Clemson. They still have a bad taste in their mouth from the last-second loss last season.

Upset watch: Week 9 - ACC Blog - ESPN
The only team on upset watch this week... the Clemson Tigers. Underdog teams tend to do well on Thursday nights against ranked teams, feeding off the intensified fan environment and the national broadcast.

My Take on Wake - As It Turns Out, Don’t Count Campanaro Out | JournalNow.com
Coach Grobe will decide at the end of Wednesday's practice whether Michael Campanaro will play or not. If not, you should see him playing at home versus Boston College.

Scouting Wake Forest: trouble spots for the Tigers... »
Here's a list of key players for the Deacs against the Tigers.

Scouting Wake Forest: how the Deacons win... »
How do the Deacs pull off the upset...?

Scouting Wake Forest: how the Tigers win... »
Look here for three keys to victory for the Tigers on the road.

Tiki's Game Analysis: Wake Forest - Streaking The Lawn
For the 6th week in a row, the Hoos came out on the losing end. This one has been much like the past 5. The Deacs managed a total of 213 yards of offense, its lowest total in an ACC victory since 1966.

DeaconsIllustrated.com - Revisiting the five keys
See how the Deacs did on its five keys to the game against Virginia.

10/17 Deacon Dump: Wake Forest vs. Virginia notes

GriffKurz — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 18:18:09 -0000

DeaconsIllustrated.com - WFU-UVA Capsule
All the information needed for the Deacs upcoming tilt with the Hoos.

Video: Wake Forest Demon Deacons' struggles - ESPN
Wake Forest is trying to become bowl eligible, but needs its complete cast of characters to do it.

Midseason report: Wake Forest - ACC Blog - ESPN
Injuries have taken a major toll on the Deacs, who are coming off their bye with losses in three of their past four games.

WFU faces a mental challenge at Virginia | JournalNow.com
Wake Forest will be present and accounted for physically in Charlottesville for Saturday's 12:30 game against Virginia, but will they be mentally prepared?

Q&A with Gobbler Country - Shakin The Southland
Coming into the season, this Virginia Tech -Clemson game was expected to have major BCS ramifications. Now, after several unforeseen losses, the Hokies are fourth in the Coastal Division. Can they rekindle some magic and upset the Tigers on the road.

Behind Enemy Lines: Talking Terps-State With Backing the Pack - Testudo Times
Maryland has turned many heads with its inspiring play this season, finding a way to win close games. The Terps are currently undefeated in ACC play, but face a steep challenge at home versus NC State, who had a bye to gloat about their win over Florida State.

My Take on Wake - Washington Hurt by Friendly Fire | JournalNow.com
Not what Wake was hoping for during the fan festivities at the Black and Gold Madness. Andre Washington sustained a mild concussion, but should be ready for the regular season.

No. 15 Deacons Earn Road Tie with No. 6 Duke - Wake Forest Official Athletic Site
Katie Stengel scored on a penalty kick to help No. 15 Wake Forest earn an important point on the road as the Demon Deacons tied No. 6 Duke 1-1 on Sunday at Koskinen Stadium in Durham, N.C.

Four Players Score in No. 18 Deacs 4-1 Win at Virginia - Wake Forest Official Athletic Site
Sean Okoli, Luciano Delbono, Michael Gamble and Ross Tomaselli each scored a goal, as No. 18 Wake Forest earned a 4-1 road victory at Virginia on Friday night at Klockner Stadium.

Parkhurst Starts and Helps U.S.A. Defeat Guatemala 3-1 - Wake Forest Official Athletic Site
Former Demon Deacon Michael Parkhurst started for the U.S. men's national team against Guatemala on Tuesday night at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park, helping the Americans win 3-1 and advance to the final round of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Deacon Dump: Basketball media day blitz and bye week

GriffKurz — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 22:45:45 -0000

DeaconsIllustrated.com - Revisiting the five keys
Let's take one last look at last weeks ugly loss to Maryland. How did the Deacs fair in the five keys to success?

Wake Counting On Local CJ Harris To Lead Newcomers | digtriad.com (Video Interviews with Bz, CJ & McKie)
Harris is the voice of experience on a team loaded with newcomers. He's the only person on the roster who has played in the NCAA tournament, starting 21 games as a freshman on the team that advanced to the second round in 2010.

DeCock: In Year 3, it’s time for Bzdelik’s Deacons to take the next step - DeCock - NewsObserver.com

“I’m a big boy. I understand the nature of this business. We gotta win,” Bzdelik said. “We weren’t going to compromise our values. We were going to stick by our principles. OK. Hopefully, we’ve gotten through all that, and we should have, and now we’ve got to win.”

Freshman Thomas probably won't play for Deacons on Canada trip | JournalNow.com
"Just to err on the side of caution," Bzdelik said. "The contact is abbreviated right now." Thomas estimated Wednesday that his knee is at around 85 percent of its full strength.

Looking at the teams on a bye - ACC Blog - ESPN
Four ACC teams have a bye this week. Let's take a look at one critical area that must be addressed by each team.

2012 ACC bowl watch: Atlantic Division - ACC Blog - ESPN
We are at the midway point of the season, so it is time to take a quick look at the bowl chances for every team in the ACC. Here is a breakdown of the Atlantic Division.

Lee chooses Wake
Maryland linebacker Marquel Lee committed to Wake Forest yesterday. He held offers from Maryland, James Madison and Towson.

DeaconsIllustrated.com - Wake hoops 2012-13 forecast
Basketball season is only a month away. Here's a forecast for the youthful Wake Forest squad.

Wake Forest Holds Basketball Media Day - Wake Forest Official Athletic Site
With the 2012-13 season just around the corner, Wake Forest held its annual Basketball Media Day this afternoon in the Budd Gym in the Miller Center.

Video: Black & Gold Madness Promo - Wake Forest Official Athletic Site
Men's and women's basketball event scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 13, at 8 p.m. in Reynolds Gymnasium.

2012 Virginia Tech Football Duke Game Guide - Gobbler Country
The Virginia Tech Hokies at 3-3 are off to their worst start since 1992, when the team started 2-3-1. Will the Hokies continue their embarrassing slide against Duke? Or will this be the game that starts one of their patented stretch runs to 10-win bliss?

The Football Capital of the ACC is Tobacco Road? - Tar Heel Blog
UNC, Duke and NC State all won ACC games at home this weekend for the first time in 18 years.

Virginia vs. Maryland Football: Q&A with Testudo Times - Streaking The Lawn
Maryland Football is exceeding expectations. How did this happen and what do the Hoos need to do to defend Scott Stadium this Saturday? Testudo Times joins us for a Q&A session.

Head Coach da Luz achieves milestone in Deacs' victory

GriffKurz — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 01:55:10 -0000

A smile slowly cracked after the final whistle. In his 15^th season as the Demon Deacons head coach, da Luz captured his 200^th career victory in a dominating Wake Forest win over Clemson 4-0. He became only the tenth coach—and second in a women’s sport—to win 200 games at Wake Forest. He joins men’s soccer coach Jay Vidovich and field hockey coach Jennifer Averill as the only active coaches to achieve this milestone.

“I’m definitely proud; 200 wins is a big achievement in the ACC. There is only one coach who has been [in the conference] longer than me, and in order to stay in the ACC and have success, you have to be doing something right.” da Luz exclaims with a wide smile, “I like that we have been super consistent from year to year, we have been to the NCAA tournament every year since I have been here. It’s just a consistency thing here and a culture that we have on our team.”

From the opening whistle, the Demon Deacons (8-3-1) (3-2 ACC) controlled the ball and dictated play against the Tigers (5-6-2) (0-5 ACC). The midfielders aggressively pushed up the ball on the sides and looked for the cross into the middle.

In the 28^th minute, after several near goals, midfielder Ally Berry fed a picture-perfect cross to freshman Jennai Davidson who punished a header into the back of the net for her first career goal.

In the 32^nd minute, defender Kim Marshall scored a header off a beautiful corner kick from Jessica Mandarich. Only three minutes later, midfielder Kristen Meier lasered a shot past the outstretched hands of Tigers goalie Hunter Rittgers, completing the trio of goals in a span of eight minutes.

Davidson tallied her second goal of the game, weaving through six Tigers’ defenders on a tremendous individual effort, in the 81^st minute.

Wake Forest has defeated Clemson in six consecutive seasons, and three straight by a score of 4-0.

The Deacs impressive display comes as a direct response to da Luz challenging his team after a devastating loss 2-1 to Maryland at home last week. He claimed his team played at 80% and needed to be more aggressive.

But today, different story, “As far as training this week and implementing it into the game, I thought we were probably 100%,” da Luz elaborates, “I think we still, at the ACC level, have to player harder, we still have to be tougher physically.”

da Luz also emphasized the importance of scoring goals and capitalizing on their opportunities to rejuvenate a stagnant offense—tied for the lowest scoring in the ACC—that has outshot opponents 155 to 53. “We only have one player, [All-American Katie] Stengel, who wants to make an impact on the game,” he said. The offense responded, scoring more than two goals for the first time since August 17^th.

Today was a huge step for the Demon Deacons in their quest to return to the College Cup. But today, Tony da Luz took the biggest step—up the ladder of great Wake Forest coaches.

Now that’s something to smile about.

9/27 Deacon Dump

GriffKurz — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 15:47:09 -0000

We experienced—and lived—Y2K, saw the United States embark in two wars (and drop out of one), watched the incessant fall of the mighty sluggers Bonds, Sosa and McGwire, and witnessed Wake Forest make an improbable run to a BCS Bowl all more recently than seeing Duke defeat the Demon Deacons. The Deacs have defeated their in-state rivals 12 times in a row, dating back to 1999—the Jim Caldwell era.

But both teams enter the game this weekend at 3-1 and Duke thinks its the year to end the streak. Last few seasons have come awfully close, especially last year's 24-23 victory on a 66 yard reception by Chris Givens in the fourth quarter.

DeaconsIllustrated.com - Duke-WFU Capsule
The cliff notes about the battle in Winston-Salem between Duke and Wake Forest The Deacs currently stand as a 3 point favorite.

DeaconsIllustrated.com - Grobe and player Q-&-A's
Interviews with Coach Grobe and several Demon Deacons players about last week's game versus the Black Knights and what to expect against the Blue Devils this week.

Defense in transition: Wake Forest faces different challenge in Duke - Sports Home - The Times News
Defense in transition: Wake Forest faces different challenge with Duke's lethal passing attack. Big change from Army's old-fashioned triple-option.

My Take on Wake - What’s the Story With the Defense? | JournalNow.com

The Deacs have allowed an astonishing 133 points in their first four games and rank 106th out 120 teams in FBS total defense. That is a far cry from the defense we all expected. What is going on and what adjustments need to be made?

My Take on Wake - Psst. Did You Hear Whitlock’s Going to Play? | JournalNow.com
All sources point to Nikita Whitlock returning to the field this weekend. This should bolster a recently-struggling defense and add an All-ACC caliber playmaker to the defensive line.

What to watch in the ACC: Week 5 - College Football Nation Blog - ESPN

Here are 10 things to keep an eye on in the ACC this week:

Dabo versus Spaz: Boston College Press Conference - Shakin The Southland
Dabo Swinney previews Clemsons tough road game against Boston College.

Q&A with Backing the Pack - The 7th Floor
North Carolina State is playing their first conference game this Saturday in Miami. With lots of content this week, lets jump right in to what Backing The Pack has to say.

No. 13 Deacons Downed by Terrapins 2-1 - Wake Forest Official Athletic Site
Maryland took only five shots against No. 13 Wake Forest, but two of them found the back of the net to give the Terrapins a 2-1 win over the Demon Deacons on Sunday at Spry Stadium.

Four Deacs Score in 4-0 Shutout over Appalachian St. - Wake Forest Official Athletic Site
The offense exploded for No. 16 Wake Forest against Appalachian State, as four different Demon Deacons scored in a 4-0 win over the Mountaineers on Tuesday night at Spry Stadium.

Scout.com: Overton makes choice
A three-star wing is now headed to Wake Forest after a weekend official visit. The shooting guard is the second commit to the Deacs, along with small forward Greg McClinton

Deacon Dump: Week 4

GriffKurz — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 20:38:01 -0000

Let's be honest. All games look pale this weekend compared to the colossus showdown between No. 10 Clemson and No. 4 Florida State. The winner of this game has the inside track to represent the Atlantic Division in Charlotte and potentially run the table.

Though, there are several other intriguing ACC games. Virginia plays at No. 17 TCU and Miami travels to Georgia Tech. And of course, the Deacs host Army. The key for Wake Forest is their ability to contain the Black Knights' wily triple-option offense that poses a plethora of threats on the ground.

Also, the Wake Forest men's and women's soccer teams are playing phenomenal this season and look to continue their success in conference play.

DeaconsIllustrated.com - Army-WFU Capsule

A complete analysis for the battle in Winston-Salem between Wake Forest and Army.

Weekly Football Press Conference Video & Quotes - Wake Forest Official Athletic Site
Jim Grobe and select Demon Deacon players talked with the media to preview this week's game vs. Army.

Q&A with Tomahawk Nation - Shakin The Southland

A Q&A between Florida State and Clemson's SB Nation sites in preparation for this monumental matchup between two Top 10 teams. The Seminoles are currently favored by two touchdowns.

Clemson Head Coach Dabo Swinney Discusses Florida State Game - Tomahawk Nation
2500 words of Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney speaking about the Florida State game? Absolutely. Courtesy of the ACC.

Q&A with From the Rumble Seat. - The 7th Floor
The guys at The 7th Floor discuss the upcoming ACC tilt between Georgia Tech and Miami with From the Rumble Seat. With the 'Canes traveling up to the ATL to take on the Yellow Jackets in a pivotal ACC Coastal division match-up we had plenty of questions.

2012 Virginia vs. TCU Football Preview: Q&A with Frogs O' War - Streaking The Lawn
Week Four is just about here as the Hoos get ready to face the Horned Frogs of TCU on the road. It won't be an easy fight, that's for sure, but to help scout the Frogs, we're joined by HawkeyedFrog of Frogs O' War.

What to make of ACC defenses so far? - College Football Nation Blog - ESPN
Last week, Wake Forest let up 52 points to Florida State and Virginia gave up 56 points to Georgia Tech. Let's look a little deeper to see how ACC defenses have fared so far.

Academics, athletics and integrity | News Center | Wake Forest University
President Nathan Hatch is involved in decisions at the highest levels of collegiate athletics and academics today. He recently sat down to discuss the latest developments in intercollegiate sports, leadership and academics.

No. 16 Demon Deacons Beat Georgia Southern, 3-1 - Wake Forest Official Athletic Site
Behind goals from Jalen Robinson, Michael Gamble and Luca Gimenez, No. 16 Wake Forest remained perfect at home this season with a 3-1 victory over Georgia Southern on Tuesday night at Spry Stadium.

No. 13 Deacons Host No. 4 Boston College, Maryland - Wake Forest Official Athletic Site
The 13th-ranked Wake Forest women's soccer team faces two key home tests this week, hosting No. 4 Boston College on Thursday and Maryland on Sunday.

Behind the Scenes at the Basketball Photo Shoot - Wake Forest Official Athletic Site
Go behind the scenes at Monday's Wake Forest basketball photo shoot and see the Deacons in their new uniforms.

Deacon Dump: ACC Football Week 3

GriffKurz — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 15:23:43 -0000

Here we are, Week 3 of the regular season. Rivalries brewing. Teams with plenty to prove. And yes, the Deacs are undefeated.

That unblemished record will certainly be put to the test at Doak Campbell Stadium against a vengeful Florida State team and in front of 80,000 fans who cannot bear to glance at Black and Gold. (Yes, I know, fans actually loath Wake Forest for their football success).

Several other key games involving the ACC: Connecticut at Maryland (the build up for the Edsall Bowl is equally as exciting), Virginia at Georgia Tech, North Carolina at Louisville, Boston College at Northwestern.

After several months of hush discussions, the ACC made the biggest splash in the merry-go-round of college athletics, reeling in Notre Dame from the Big East. Yet the Fighting Irish, as usual, get the best of both worlds.

Top 3 ACC storylines for Week 3 - ACC Blog - ESPN
Here are the Top 3 storylines for Week 3 in the ACC Football season. This week is fraught with a mix of ACC games and non-conference games and will be exciting.

Player of the Week: ACC - ACC Blog - ESPN
Wake Forest receiver Michael Campanaro was named the ACC Player of the Week. He tore apart the Tar Heels defense for a career-high 13 receptions and 164 yards.

Football Game Notes - Wake Forest vs. Florida State - Wake Forest Official Athletic Site
Wake Forest heads out on the road for the first time in 2012 and will take on No. 5 Florida State at Doak Campbell Stadium this Saturday in Tallahassee, Fla.

Florida State looking to avenge against Wake Forest | FSView | fsunews.com
Tallahassee is one of the only places in country where Wake Forest football is a whispered phrase, surely. The Demon Deacons have lived up to their name in recent years and have given Florida State football plenty of demons to reflect on-- beating the Seminoles in four of the last six seasons.

FSU Football X&O Simplification: Wake Forest's Defensive Front - Tomahawk Nation
Wake Forest runs a bit of a non-traditional defense. Tomahawk Nation breaks it down and examines how Florida State plans to approach the unorthodox defense.

Fisher, Seminoles prepare to meet Deacons | JournalNow.com
As he pulls off the service-road segment of his schedule onto the expressway of ACC play, coach Jimbo Fisher's main concern this week is getting his Florida State Seminoles up to full speed as quickly as he can.

Scout.com: Dudley star visits WFU
Wake Forest's coaches could not have picked a better game for junior linebacker Chris Register and several other recruits to visit. Their thrilling 28-27 win over in-state rival North Carolina on Saturday was big for the program in attracting recruits.

Maryland Terrapins-UConn Huskies First Look: The Edsall Bowl Cometh - Testudo Times
Randy Edsall faces his old team. Get ready for the media onslaught. Ignore the intriguing football game on the horizon.

2012 Virginia Tech Football: Pittsburgh Game Guide - Gobbler Country
This week, the 2-0 Virginia Tech Hokies take to the road for the first time this season to face off against former Big East rival, the Pittsburgh Panthers. For a preliminary look at this game, trends, stats and a history lesson, visit Gobbler Country.

Game Vitals: 5 Things to Watch For on Saturday - From The Rumble Seat
Last year's loss to the Cavaliers left a bad taste in the mouth of Tech fans everywhere. Georgia Tech hopes to avoid going 0-2 in the ACC for the first time in several years. Something's gotta give...

Scout.com: Fedora PC Quotes
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- Inside Carolina's Monday press conference coverage includes a transcription of head coach Larry Fedora's conversation with the media.

North Carolina's speed to get stiffer test
'Speed' will be the name of the game when UNC travels to No. 23 Louisville this weekend, who is the class of the Big East.

Five Good Minutes: Northwestern Football Preview With Sippin' On Purple - BC Interruption
Previewing this weekend's non-conference college football matchup between the Boston College Eagles and Northwestern Wildcats with Rodger Sherman and the SB Nation Wildcats blog Sippin' On Purple.

Notre Dame To Join ACC With Football Exception - SBNation.com
The ACC announced on Wednesday that the Notre Dame Fighting Irish will join the conference as a full member in all sports except football and hockey. The conference also announced that the Irish will play 5 ACC football games each year.

Deacon Dump: Wake Forest and ACC Foes

GriffKurz — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 21:43:43 -0000

Scrutinized after a rough Week 1 against Liberty, the Demon Deacons have their chance at redemption against a strong North Carolina. A home win versus the in-state foe would prove that Week 1 was merely an anomaly and the Deacs are a threat in the ACC. Though this is the only ACC game this week, several other ACC teams will be tested in non-conference games. Miami travels to Kansas State, Maryland plays at Temple, Virginia hosts Penn State and NC State faces Connecticut.

On the soccer pitch. Wake Forest men's and women's teams both are sporting phenomenal squads, ranked No. 15 and No. 17, respectively. They both face some tough tests this week.

UNC defense put on clinic against Elon - North Carolina - NewsObserver.com
North Carolina displayed its abilities in a 62-0 destruction of Elon. Their defense proved to be extremely athletic and physical. Sophomore running back Giovani Bernard showed he is a deserving early dark horse candidate for ACC Offensive Player of the Year, rushing for 93 yards and a touchdown on nine carries.

My Take on Wake - Ask and Ye Shall Receive | JournalNow.com
Could the Deacs have a special surprise at the QB spot? Any chance highly-touted recruit and speedy freshman quarterback Kevin Sousa runs the wildcat? It sure would add an interesting element to this offense.

Video: Game of the Week - ACC Blog - ESPN
Heather Dinich previews the only ACC game on the schedule, as UNC travels to Winston-Salem for the conference opener for both teams.

What to watch in the ACC: Week 2 - ACC Blog - ESPN
Time to take a look at the top storylines in the ACC headed into Week 2. Wake Forest and UNC are the only in-conference game, but several other games garner national interest.

Weekly Football Press Conference Video & Quotes - Wake Forest Official Athletic Site
The Deacons talked with the media to preview this week's game vs. North Carolina.

My Take on Wake - Supporting Cast Fails to Live Up to Name | JournalNow.com
The supporting cast didn't perform up to its expectations in Week 1. To defeat UNC, they will need to make big time plays.

Florida State Largest Gambling Spread Favorite In College Football History? - Tomahawk Nation
Florida State has the largest gambling spread ever, becoming the first team to ever have a line over 70 points. Will they cover against Savannah State?

Q&A with the 'Canes (Version 2) - Bring On The Cats

Kansas State and Miami bloggers discuss their upcoming clash in a hostile Manhattan environment. It will be a huge battle between two of the bigger programs in the country.

2012 Football Previews Week 2: Penn State Nittany Lions - Streaking The Lawn
This week, the Cavaliers and the Nittany Lions face off on national TV. The 1-0 Hoos are 10 point favorites against the 0-1 Nittany Lions. Can the Nittany Lions improve enough from their week 1 performance to knock off the Hoos in Charlottesville?

Behind Enemy Lines: Talking Terps-Temple with Owlsblog - Testudo Times
We get an inside perspective on Maryland's road trip to Temple from Owls Blog, who informs Terp Nation on Temple's ground game, names they need to know, and much more.

No. 17 Deacs Host UMass, Illinois in Home Tournament - Wake Forest Official Athletic Site
Wake Forest will welcome three teams to town for its home tournament, facing UMass on Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Illinois on Sunday at 2 p.m.

No. 15 Deacs Begin ACC with First Road Test - Wake Forest Official Athletic Site
No. 15 Wake Forest will begin the ACC schedule with its first trip away from Spry Stadium when the Demon Deacons take on Clemson at 7:30 p.m. at Riggs Field.

Cheyenne Woods Wins First Professional Event

GriffKurz — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 00:52:01 -0000

Cheyenne Woods Wins First Professional Event

Wake Forest graduate Cheyenne Woods, the niece of Tiger Woods, claimed her first professional win Thursday.

The 22-year-old fired a 1-under 69 over 54 holes, cruising to a 4-shot victory in a Suncoast Ladies Series event at the LPGA International in Daytona Beach, Fla. She had finished second at another Suncoast event last week.

Winston-Salem Open: Huge Success for City and Wake Forest

GriffKurz — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 15:48:17 -0000

The ATP took a stop at the Wake Forest Tennis Complex for the Winston-Salem Open this week with overwhelming success. The ATP 250 tournament showcased three top 10 players, #6 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, #7 Tomas Berdych, and #10 Greensboro native John Isner, along with 23 players in the top 50.

The byline "Big Time Tennis, Served Southern Style," is very fitting. The quiet, relaxing environment served as a perfect prelude to the raucous at the U.S. Open in New York next week.

Players and ATP employees alike praised the Winston-Salem Open for its organization, its facilities, its crowds, and its tennis environment. One line judge exclaimed, "Everyone is just so damn nice here."

Winston-Salem natives adopted the tournament as their own. Attendance was up significantly in the tournament's second year. "Whatever my expectations were, they were exceeded by 100 percent," Bill Oakes, the tournament's director, said to the Winston-Salem Journal.

The tournament has given Wake Forest and the city of Winston-Salem a lot of positive attention, with the quarterfinals and semifinals being aired on ESPN2 and the Tennis Channel and the championship on CBS.

Most commercial breaks open with a view of Wait Chapel and a sight of the Winston-Salem skyline. The tournament enhances the national reputation of the institution and the regional city.

In addition, the tournament and the phenomenal new facilities are great news to the Wake Forest tennis program.

In his first season, men's coach Tony Kresky finished 13-15 overall and tenth in the ACC. Yet, he reeled in the eighth ranked recruiting class, according to TennisRecruiting.net, adding one blue-chip, four five-stars, and a four star. Kresky sold the recruits on the academics, the elite facilities, the future of the program and the opportunity the Winston-Salem Open provides the players.

The tournament gave wild cards into the qualifying tournament to recent Wake Forest graduate David Hopkins and senior Amogh Prabhakar. Many other players were on the grounds practicing against ATP players.

The women's team looks to bounce back after a rough 3-18 season, finishing last in the ACC. Yet second year coach Jeff Wyshner still managed to bring in a 25th ranked recruiting class, according to TennisRecruiting.net, adding one blue-chip, an international player from Spain and a two star.

The future of Demon Deacons tennis looks very bright.

The tournament finished as at it began-- picturesque.

Isner won the tournament for the second straight year. The Marathon Man went the distance in his final two matches, upsetting the top seed Tsonga 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (7-3), and defeating the second seed Berdych 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (11-9). He faced three championship points, but labored for the victory in front of the home crowd.

All of us here at BSD are so happy to see the Winston-Salem Open thrive and look forward to another great event in 2013 and years beyond.

Harris Back in More Ways Than One

GriffKurz — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 15:42:31 -0000

Harris Back in More Ways Than One

So one of the most encouraging developments of the off-season is that Harris is back not just in body, but in mind and spirit as well. You can see that from the way he has shown up for practice day after day and done all the things his coaches have asked him to do. The one scrimmage he did miss was because Coach Jim Grobe, concerned about Harris’ sore shoulder, made him. But even that day he was in uniform fielding punts. And the next day he was back out for practice with no limitations.

NCAA Basketball Rankings Based on NBA Success

GriffKurz — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:20:07 -0000

NCAA Basketball Rankings Based on NBA Success

With the Men's Basketball in the Olympics on my mind, imagine if their was a tournament where NBA players represented the university they attended. A tournament of that magnitude would foster school spirit and create a new setting for the same old rivalries.

Here is a list of the top 10 overall best college teams using current-NBA players.

Sorry LeBron and Kobe, no high school teams.

Deacon Dump 7/30: The Podium And The Pre-Season

GriffKurz — Sun, 29 Jul 2012 10:27:56 -0000

There is no better signal that Wake Forest football is around the corner like ACC Media Day. Though Florida State, Clemson and Virginia Tech took the headlines, the Demon Deacons are feeling confident in their chances to improve on a 6-7 campaign last season. The team's biggest concern-- offensive line-- has experienced tremendous improvements from unlikely sources.

Meanwhile, eight former Wake Forest student-athletes began competition for the Olympics in London. Chris Paul is prohibitively favored to take home his second gold medal with Team USA.

Recently-built Wake Forest athletic facilities received significant recognition for the capacity and aesthetic beauty, the Deacon Tower and the Tennis Complex.

You can find all the latest links and notes after the jump ...

Olympic Notebook - Wake Forest Official Athletic Site
The 2012 London Olympics begin this weekend and eight former Wake Forest student-athletes will be representing four different countries in a number of sports.

Media selects FSU as preseason champ - ACC Blog - ESPN
Wake Forest was predicted by the media to finish fourth in the Atlantic Division out of six, behind Florida State, Clemson and NC State, the league announced on Tuesday at the ACC Football Kickoff. Following the Demon Deacons is Boston College and Maryland.

Deacs' O-line makes offseason strides - ACC Blog - ESPN
Heading into the spring, Wake Forest's offensive line was arguably the Deacs' biggest question mark, but the situation has improved dramatically since then.

Lenox Rawlings: Whitlock aiming high for Deacons | JournalNow.com
In the aftermath of rousing Wake Forest wins or numbing losses, nose tackle Nikita Whitlock knows where he can find the perfect supporting cast.

Brendan Cross making his own name at Wake Forest - Wake Forest - NewsObserver.com

Quarterback and son of a former NFL lineman, Brendan Cross is looking to finally make a name for himself at Wake Forest. He is battling for second-string behind Tanner Price.

Deacons hope to get a boost from 'Sensational Seven' | JournalNow.com
After returning only four players from last season, the Wake Forest basketball team knows it needs major contributions from its highly-touted seven man freshman class.

Wake AD hopes for more improvement in 2012-13 - Wake Forest - NewsObserver.com
Wake Forest's athletic programs took a significant step forward during the last academic year and AD Ron Wellman expects them to get even better this season.

Men's and Women's Track & Field Named All-Academic, Loeser Honored - Wake Forest Official Athletic Site
Both the Wake Forest men's and women's track and field teams were granted All-Academic status by the United States Track & Field Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) this week while senior Paul Loeser was named an All-Academic Honoree.

The Men's Golfers Named Cleveland Golf/Srixon All-America Scholars - Wake Forest Official Athletic Site
Three Wake Forest men's golfers were named Cleveland Golf/Srixon All-American Scholars as announced by the Golf Coaches Association of America this week.

Wake Forest Tennis Complex Earns USTA Outstanding Facility Award - Wake Forest Official Athletic Site
The Wake Forest Tennis Complex earned the 2012 United States Tennis Associations (USTA) Outstanding Facility Award as announced by the USTA Technical Committee.

Deacon Tower Receives National Recognition - Wake Forest Official Athletic Site
Wake Forest University's Deacon Tower has been selected as a Bronze Award winner in the 2012 National Brick in Architecture Awards program by the Brick Industry Association.

Triad Pro-Am Schedule for Monday, July 16

GriffKurz — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 04:36:27 -0000

The Triad Pro-Am starts Monday night with three games. The league features all current Wake Forest players, several former Demon Deacons, as well as players from other universities in the area. Regular season games will be played at Forsyth Country Day School on Monday’s and Thursday’s through July 30. Click through for a full schedule and the teams' players after the jump.

Editor's Note: For rosters, schedules, and statistics/highlights when they come up, you can find them here and at triadproam.playerspace.com.

6:30 p.m. ET

Mountain Fried Chicken: Ilian Evtimov (NC State), Vassil Evtimov (UNC)

vs.

Modern Automotive of Winston Salem: Travis McKie, Madison Jones, Tyler Cavanaugh, Andre Washington

7:30 p.m. ET

Elliot Pishko Morgan PA and Silver Edge Gear: David Weaver, Reyshawn Terry (UNC)

vs.

Salem Smiles Orthodonics: Codi Miller-McIntyre, Chase Fischer, Daniel Green, Aaron Rountree

8:30 p.m. ET

Triad Commercial Properties: No Deacs (Guilford College team)

vs.

Grace, Tisdale & Clifton, P.A: C.J. Harris, Arnaud Adala Moto, Devin Thomas, Spencer Jennings, Chas McFarland

2012 Wake Forest Football Schedule Breakdown Part 1: Liberty To Maryland

GriffKurz — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 12:43:50 -0000

As the Wake Forest football team opens summer practice in the coming days, it is never too early to look forward to the grand Saturdays of autumn. The Demon Deacons, as usual, have a very challenging schedule this season. Following a 6-7 campaign that nearly resulted in an ACC title game appearance, Wake Forest faces one FCS team, two independents, one SEC rival and eight ACC foes.

Let's take a look and analyze the Deacs' first six opponents this season after the jump, with part two coming early next week.

9/1 vs. Liberty

2011 Record: 7-4

Bio: The Flames are an above-average FBS team under head coach Turner Gill (yes, the former Kansas coach). First year quarterback Gabe Henderson will be under center and will be without All-Conference 1,000 receiver Chris Summers. The focal point of their offense is senior running back Aldreakis Allen, who had 958 total yards last season. He finished the season on a tear with five straight games over 100 total yards, albeit against the likes of Coastal Carolina and VMI.

Most of the Flames' top defenders return from last season. The cornerback duo of last year's leading tackler Chris Mayo and Brent Vinson should lead a strong secondary. Francis Bah, from Germany, lead the team in sacks last season and should be force in the FBS. The linebacking core possesses strength and depth, as well.

Outlook: The Flames will be one of the better FBS teams next year, but the Demon Deacons are in the ACC. Purely based on measurables (size, speed, strength), Wake Forest completely outmatches Liberty. Wake Forest will have no trouble with Liberty at home, but expect the Demon Deacons to come prepared because Turner Gill remains one of the better coaches around.

9/8 vs. UNC

2011 Record: 7-6

Bio: The Tar Heels have one of the most experienced and talented teams in the ACC. They pose a variety of mismatches on both sides of the ball. The duo of junior quarterback Bryn Renner and sophomore running back Giovani Bernard is one of the most dangerous in the ACC. Renner threw for 3,086 yards and 26 touchdowns in his first year as a starter, while Bernard ran for 1,253 yards and 13 touchdowns. They also return four starters from the offensive line and their second-leading receiver. On defense, the Tar Heels return seven starters from a big, physical defense prone to big plays.

Without a doubt, this is a very talented team, but one that faces a few questions. How does first year head coach Larry Fedora handle his first BCS coaching gig and the pressures that follow in Chapel Hill? Also, considering the postseason ban the team faces for NCAA violations under the previous regime, how motivated and dedicated will this team be week-in and week-out?

Outlook: Last season, UNC defeated the Wake Forest 49-24 at hostile Kenan Stadium. The Demon Deacons uncharacteristically committed five turnovers, four of which the Tar Heels converted into touchdowns. Wake Forest must be smart with the ball against this aggressive defense. In addition, the defense must contain Renner, who threw for a career-high 338 yards and three touchdowns, and Bernard, who ran for 154 yards and three touchdowns.

Expect a motivated Tanner Price and a taut defense to open ACC play after the tough showing last season. The Demon Deacons will have the benefit from a raucous crowd against its in-state rival.

9/15 at Florida State

2011 Record: 9-4

Bio: Most offseasons consist of Florida State faithful blabbering on message boards and blogs about why this season the Seminoles will win the ACC, go undefeated and play in the BCS National Title Game. This year is no different. Even though they have not won the conference since 2005, they have good reason to believe this year is different. Head coach Jimbo Fisher and his staff consistently reel in elite talent to Tallahassee, finishing in the Top 10 in recruiting the past five years, according to Yahoo Sports.

Rocket-armed quarterback EJ Manuel returns to lead an experienced and athletic attack. The four leading receivers all return to form one of the most formidable aerial attacks in the country. Four returning starters from the offensive line will pave massive holes for leading rusher and speedy sophomore Devonta Freeman on the ground attack.

The Seminole defense is fraught with incredible depth and talent. It possesses potential 2013 first round picks on all three levels with gifted defensive end Bjoern Werner, explosive outside linebacker Brandon Jenkins and imposing cornerback Xavier Rhodes. Jenkins has a small chance to become Florida State's all-time sacks leader, needing 14.

Outlook: The Seminoles will have a huge chip on their shoulder after Wake Forest beat them last season and four of the last six years. Last year, Wake forced five turnovers in route to a 35-31 upset. This year will be played at Doak Campbell Stadium. Anticipate these FSU fans to act extra rowdy to avoid another embarrassing defeat at the hands of the Deacs.

Wake Forest's experienced secondary must limit Florida State's big play threats and force the Noles into long third downs. As always for Jim Grobe coached teams, forcing turnovers remains a must against a division rival. Josh Harris needs to step up like last year to force the Seminoles to defend the run. This will provide ample throwing lanes for Tanner Price.

9/22 vs. Army

2011 Record: 3-9

Bio: Watching the Black Knights play, one might think they entered a time machine back to the 1950s. They run the old school, deceptive triple option offense. The offense revolves around trickery, where the quarterback, running back and fullback all are options to run on every play causing confusion and misdirection on every play.

Army returns eight starters on offense, including its three main runners, powerful quarterback Trent Steelman, 1,000-yard rusher Raymond Maple and Malcolm Brown. On defense, the team returns seven starters. The Black Knights are absent of stars on defense but play great as a team. They wear down opposing offenses by forcing long drives and limiting big play opportunities.

Last season. they performed admirably against their arch-nemesis Navy, losing 27-21, and upset bowl-bound Northwestern, 21-14, but were blown out by the likes of Northern Illinois and Ball State.

Outlook: Wake Forest cannot overlook the wily Black Knights in Winston-Salem. On defense, the Demon Deacons must play incredibly disciplined and smart. They need to watch the ball and be aware of misdirections and fakes. The defensive line and linebackers will be tested and cannot take a single play off.

Expect All-ACC defensive end Nikita Whitlock, whose prowess is stopping the run, to bulldoze through the Army offensive line and cause a major headache for head coach Rich Ellerson. On offense, the Demon Deacons should be able to move the ball, but, do not underestimate the will and fight of Army.

9/29 vs. Duke

2011 Record: 3-9

Bio: The Blue Devils have been stuck among the ACC's cellar dwellers for decades. They have not made a bowl game since 1994. Although they have lacked success, optimism remains high in Durham that the team will break the streak this season. Two-year starting quarterback and the ACC's active career leader in passing yardage (6,352), total offense (6,235) and pass completions (601), Sean Renfree, returns under center for his senior year.

Head coach David Cutcliffe (the quarterback guru that coached both Peyton and Eli Manning in college) professed that Renfree possesses elite talent and pro potential but needs to become more aggressive. Renfree will have his favorite target back, All-ACC Second Team wide receiver Conner Vernon. The shifty and sure-handed receiver enters the season 34 receptions short of the ACC record.

The Blue Devils also return four members from their offensive line. Defensively, the Blue Devils lack the size and depth compared to many other ACC foes, but they do return several strong contributors. Second-leading tackler, safety Walt Canty, will lead a veteran secondary, and Kelby Brown will provide strength to the linebacking core.

Outlook: Wake Forest has defeated in-state rival Duke in every season since 1999. Last season, the Demon Deacons won, 24-23, with Chris Givens scoring a game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter. To continue the streak, they need to contain Renfree's strong arm, and reigning ACC Rookie of the Year Merrill Noel needs to limit Vernon's touches.

The offense should be able to move the ball on an inexperienced Blue Devil defense that is prone to the big-play. Expect a strong performance from Michael Campanaro at BB&T Field.

10/6 at Maryland

2011 Record: 2-10

Bio: After an exciting opening night victory against Miami, the state of the Terrapins looked promising under new head coach Randy Edsall. They sported "unique" (see: ugly) jerseys and created a national buzz for the middling program. The glee quickly turned to despair after they lost 10 of their next 11 games. Their only other win was against Towson.

The Terrapins return run-first quarterback CJ Brown. He finished with 574 yards and five touchdowns rushing and completed 82 of 166 passes for 842 yards and seven touchdowns. This season, Brown will have lightning-fast wide receiver Stefon Diggs as a prime playmaker. The five-star recruit chose to stay in his home state over Ohio State and Auburn. Three starters from the offensive line return.

Maryland's move to a 3-4 defensive scheme will unleash its two biggest weapons: Joe Vellano and AJ Francis. The big-bodied defensive linemen consistently rush the passer and clog up running lines with success. The defense returns nine starters. Overall, twenty-five different players have left the team since Edsall's hiring; this trend reflects poorly on the staff and the future state of the program.

Outlook: Wake Forest dominated Maryland, 31-10, to clinch a bowl berth last season. Tanner Price meticulously pieced apart the Terrapins secondary for 320 yards and three touchdowns. He should continue this success if the offensive line can provide him with enough time in the pocket to make his reads. The youthful line needs to keep Vellano and Francis out of passing lines.

The Demon Deacon defense must close the running lanes for CJ Brown, who ran for 110 yards against them last season, and keep Stefon Diggs in front of the secondary.

Deacon Dump 6/21: Wake Forest Heating Up In The Summer

GriffKurz — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 12:59:17 -0000

As the weather has begun to heat up, Wake Forest has started to turn it on in recruiting. Although the football team received its first commitment for the class of 2013 just two weeks ago, it currently stands at a total of nine players as of Thursday. Wake Forest was the last team to have a player commit, yet the Demon Deacons are now right in the middle of the pack with overall commitments. In the past week, the Deacs added a quarterback, a second tight end and a linebacker.

The basketball team even stirred some early buzz in recruiting with a commitment from Winston-Salem native and highly-touted prospect Greg McClinton. He brings instant credibility for the class of 2013 in the midst of a rebuilding project.

A few current Demon Deacons have performed well in professional and international competition, as well. While alumnus Webb Simpson won the US Open, current golfer Thomas Birdsey performed remarkably in rout to The Texas Amateur Open title. Women's basketball player Sandra Garcia has made the Puerto Rico national team and is trying to qualify for the Olympics next month.

With over two months away until football season, we also have information to prepare you for ACC football. During these dog days of summer, we are all holding ourselves head over heels about any new Wake Forest sports information.

Stay cool and check out these links after the jump....

The Deacs gain quarterback Radford
Charlotte (NC) Country Day quarterback Michael Radford committed to Wake Forest less than 24 hours after Demon Deacon quarterbacks coach Tom Elrod offered him a scholarship.

Wake Forest adds an outside linebacker
North Carolina defensive end Ali Lamot decided to stay at home and committed to the Deacs last week. He will move to outside linebacker in college.

BB&N's Brendan O'Neil commits to Wake Forest - Boston High School Blog - ESPN Boston
Massachusetts tight end Brendan O'Neil committed to Wake Forest for the 2013 season. Rated the sixth best player in Massachusetts, O'Neil held offers from UConn, UMass and Temple.

Weaver's college road trip
Three-star Memphis tight end/ defensive end Mack Weaver visited Wake Forest, as well as a slew of other schools. The Deacs are high on his list, but no school has emerged as a favorite.

McClinton commits to Deacons for 2013 | JournalNow.com
Winston-Salem native Greg McClinton has announced he will attend Wake Forest. The four-star prospect is a great start in recruiting for coach Jeff Bzdelik and his staff.

Thomas Birdsey Wins The Texas Amateur - Wake Forest Official Athletic Site
On a day when Wake Forest graduate Webb Simpson won the US Open, rising-sophomore Thomas Birdsey birdied four of his final seven holes on Sunday to claim the Texas Amateur Championship. Birdsey shot rounds of 67-68-68 (-10) over the three days at The Honors Golf Club.

Garcia Looks To Make Olympics With Puerto Rico - Wake Forest Official Athletic Site
Wake Forest rising-senior Sandra Garcia will try to help the Puerto Rican national team earn a berth into the 2012 Summer Olympics.

It 'starts' up front - ACC Blog - ESPN
Here's a look at the ACC's top offensive lines based on returning starters and total starts. Wake Forest ranks 11th with one returning starter and a total of 19 starts.

Ranking the ACC's quarterbacks - ACC Blog - ESPN
ESPN's Heather Dinich ranks Wake Forest quarterback Tanner Price as the seventh best in the ACC. The junior and two year starter threw for over 3,000 yards last season.

Ranking the ACC's facilities - ACC Blog - ESPN
Image is everything -- especially to a 17-year-old recruit who is easily swayed by the glitz of trophy cases, first-class weight rooms and modern locker rooms.