Groves Stadium photo courtesy of www.wakeforestsports.com.


WAKE FOREST DEMON DEACONS 2002 PRESEASON FOOTBALL PREVIEW
(Game Five)
2001 Record: 6-5, 2001 Atlantic Coast Conference Record: 3-5 (Tied for 5th)


Dubious Distinctions: Last year was only Wake's 32nd winning season in 101 years of college football.

Stellar Stats: Wake finished the 2001 season first in the ACC in rushing offense (221.6 ypg) and finished with its highest amount of total offense (390.2) since Al Groh's final year at Wake (1986).

Wake Head Coach Jim Grobe on CavTalk Wednesday Night. If you can’t listen Wednesday evening, check back Thursday to CavTalk.com for the archive version.

Overview

There is no doubt that the success of the Maryland Terrapins and their new head coach Ralph Friedgen took the conference and the nation by storm last fall but many believe the Terps underachieved in 2000 and entered 2001 with plenty of talent to be competitive. On the other hand, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, the youngest team in the NCAA last season, lost 18 starters from 2000 and new head coach and former Wahoo Jim Grobe brought in an entire new staff. The Deacs went 6-5. There's your surprise team of 2001. And here's another surprise, they'll be better in 2002 although their record may not. In our pregame preview last fall we predicted the 17-year losing streak against the Cavs might end. Unfortunately we were right and we think the Deacons may have Virginia's number again this season.

Were it not for an injury-plagued season and some poor execution Wake may well have ended the 2001 season 9-2. The Deacs fell to NC State by 3 in large part because they could not capitalize on three 2nd half possessions that started in Wolfpack territory. Against Maryland, Wake cut a 14-point UM lead to seven with just under seven minutes to go in the game but could not cash in on two late chances to tie the game. In Winston Salem, down by 7 to Clemson, Wake's James MacPherson was intercepted in the end zone to thwart a game tying drive with just over two minutes left in the game. Those three losses may have been the reason Wake was able to pull out back-to-back come from behind wins over the Cavs on a 64 yard touchdown catch and run by James Anderson with 1:42 left in the game and at North Carolina (32-31) a week later.

A lot of people seem to be discounting Wake Forest and this writer thinks that is a mistake. The Deacons were a couple of injuries and some poor execution from 9-2 last fall and while the loss of 3 offensive line starters, standouts John Stone, Nate Bolling and a solid place kicker are significant, they are not debilitating. Wake consistently rotated 10 guys on the offensive line last season, most of whom started at least one game and all received plenty of playing time. They return overall 16 starters, including a solid group of running backs, their quarterback and their entire starting secondary.

Offense

According to ESPN's Mel Kipper Jr., "Grobe's Demon Deacons run a complex, diversified offense while staying away from costly penalties. The Demon Deacons' attack is tough to prepare for." One thing is certain; Wake will run the ball. With a trio of talented tailbacks expected to return in 2002, Wake Forest may be as deep at running back as any team in the ACC. They'll have to be. As spring camp broke, Wake was hit with some bad news as it was learned that star running back Fred Staton must sit out the 2002 season because he is academically ineligible, lacking the required number of hours for a third-year player. Staton, a rising junior, rushed for 157 yards and three touchdowns during Wake's spring games and will be missed. Adding to the Deacons' problems is that Wake Forest senior Tarence Williams suffered a foot injury during a freak accident and remains a question mark.

Any talk of success for the Deacons' ground game, however, must begin with Tarence Williams (5-10, 188). A speedster, Williams rushed for 1,018 yards and 10 touchdowns in 10 games last season. The senior was rated the ACC's 18th best player (College Football News.com) and is an Athlon and Phil Steele Preseason All-ACC selection. Williams is an explosive runner who will return as one of the nation's top running backs this season. He has been the Deacons' leading rusher the last two seasons and finished last year ranked second in the ACC and 26th nationally in rushing, averaging 101.8 yards per game. He was named the team's Most Valuable player last season in a vote by his teammates. Williams has plenty of help. Senior Ovie Mughelli (6-2 248 Sr.) one of the ACC's premier blocking backs and according to college football analyst Phil Steele a "top-notch athlete," is back at fullback and will also see time at tight end. With the loss of Staton and the status of Williams somewhat in doubt, Virginia native Nick Burney (6-3 214 Jr.) of Glen Allen, Virginia might see his playing time increased. A backup to Williams and Staton in 2001, Burney saw his playing time increase as the season progressed. Appearing in 10 games, Burney finished the year with 139 yards on 32 carries and two touchdowns. Virginia fans will not forget the Fork Union product that last season carried the ball 10 times for 67 yards and a 19-yard touchdown in the Hoos loss in Charlottesville after Williams went down with an injury.

After winning the starting job midway through last season, quarterback James MacPherson (6-2 197, Sr.) grew more comfortable and confident late in the year, guiding Wake to the come-from-behind victories at Virginia and at North Carolina. MacPherson completed 113-of-209 passes (54.1 percent) for 1,555 yards and five touchdowns. If he can cut down on the interceptions (11 last season), he could be one of the ACC's better quarterbacks. MacPherson will be pushed by redshirt freshman Cory Randolph. When MacPherson and Anthony Young were both hurting with injuries last season, the redshirt nearly came off of Randolph, who has the skills to be a great option quarterback.

Wake often utilized a three wide receiver set last season and with teams stacking the front to stop the Deacs rushing attack look for more of the same in 2002. Securing one of those wideout spot is Jason Anderson (6-3, 189, So.). Anderson finished the season as Wake Forest's top receiver with 28 catches for 472 yards and two touchdowns. He became the first freshman to lead the Deacons in receiving since 1978. He broke Virginia fans collective heart last year with a 64 yard touchdown pass that led to UVA's 34-30 loss to the Deacs in Charlottesville. Rated a Preseason 2nd-Team All ACC return specialist by Phil Steele is all-around athlete Fabian Davis (5-11 180 Sr.) who will be one of the team's top returning receivers in 2002. Davis finished the season with 24 catches for 306 yards and two touchdowns plus rushed for 103 yards on 20 carries, scoring two touchdowns. Davis tallied five touchdowns during the season. Jax Landfried (5-9 175 Sr.) made a huge impact last season ending the year with a team-best 19.8 yards per catch ranking Jax is ninth nationally among returning receivers in terms of yards per catch. Overall, Landfried accounted for 396 receiving yards on 20 catches. The multifaceted former walk-on will serve as the Deacs' long-snapper and emergency back-up quarterback. Former Wake quarterback Anthony Young (6-3 198 Jr.) has moved to receiver and will compete for playing time at that position. Also look for greater production from the underrated Ray Thomas (6-4 245 Sr.) at tight end. An exceptional run blocker, Thomas is a third-year returning starter at tight end in 2002 who began to play a bigger role on the receiving end as the year went on, catching 20 passes for 241 yards. Virginia product Josh Warren (6-4 245 Jr.) from Thomas Jones country (Big Stone Gap) will also be in the mix at tight end.

The effectiveness of the Wake offensive line last season can be attributed to the philosophy of head coach Jim Grobe and offensive coordinator Troy Calhoun. Their game plan has been to play a number of linemen, keeping legs fresh while providing valuable experience at the same time. The Demon Deacons were not held to less than 140 yards (GA Tech) rushing in a game last season and Wake Forest Head Football Coach Jim Grobe made a living at his former home, the University of Ohio with the run. His Bobcats averaged 323 yards per game rushing with the Grobe option attack on their way to a 7-4 record and a first place finish in the MAC East Division in Grobe's final season back in 2000. Obviously the concept worked at Wake as the Deacons led the ACC in rushing last season with a 221 yards per game mark. Wake also led the conference in fewest sacks allowed (13).

The offensive line should be a strong point for the Deacons again this season. Slated to start at the critical left tackle position coming out of spring camp is Canadian Mark Moroz (6-4, 270, Jr.). Moroz started the last 5 games of 2001 at right tackle after moving from tight end. The Wake staff believes Moroz has tremendous potential. A candidate for All-ACC honors in 2002, left guard Tyson Clabo (6-4, 270, Jr.) is an imposing offensive lineman with great size; a smart, physical player whose skills will give him a chance to play at the next level. Clabo started all 11 games in 2001 at left tackle and was key to Wake Forest's league leading sacks allowed total. At right guard look for Blake Henry (6-6 301 Sr.) to get the nod. A talented and powerful offensive lineman, now in his third season at Wake Forest after transferring from Northwestern, Blake started seven of Wake's final eight games last season and can play either guard or tackle. We project veteran Tim Bennett (6-4 285 Sr.) who has suffered through and injury plagued career to start at right tackle. Bennett was slowed in the spring of 2001 with a broken leg but recovered to start four games at right tackle and played no fewer than 32 plays in every game last fall. The senior, who is familiar with every position along the offensive line, possesses solid technique and should be a leader there this season. The most troublesome spot for line coach Steed Lobotzke and the position with the biggest shoes to fill are those of four-year starter and All-ACC honorable mention center Vince Azzolina. The likely candidates are sophomore center Blake Lingruen (6-4, 275) or redshirt freshman Craig Jones (6-1, 280). Coming out of spring we give the edge to Jones. Senior David Walters (6-3, 290) who made two starts in 2001 should also see ample playing time in the line rotation for Wake.

If Williams returns and MacPherson improves on his 5-11 touchdown to interception ration, the Wake offense should be dependable, if not spectacular. The Deacs maintained a 31:39 to 28:21 edge over their opponents in time of possession and held the ball longer than their opponents in all but 4 games last season (3 losses). The concern comes on the defensive side of the ball. Though ending the season with a winning record, the Deacs were still outscored 28.3 to 26.5 on average per game and gave up a 5.6 yards per play average to 5.0 for the Wake offense. With pivotal swing games on the road against State, Maryland, Tech, Clemson and Big 10 title contender Purdue, the Wake defense will need to assert itself if the Demon Deacons are to have a shot at a bowl berth.

Defense

"Replacing [All-ACC DT] Nate Bolling] is a big question mark," Grobe said. "We just can't replace him. It's impossible. But hopefully we'll find a couple of kids who can step in, so we can keep them fresh," according to Coach Jim Grobe. The likely candidates are Thomas Dales' (Richmond, Virginia) Roderick Stephen (6-4 250 Sr.) and Jerome Nichols (6-2 260 So.). Both players garnered valuable playing time last season appearing in 11 and 10 games respectively. There are no question marks at the other end spot where 2001 All-ACC selection and Preseason Athlon and Phil Steele all conference candidate Calvin Pace (6-6 260 Sr.) sets up shop. Pace enjoyed a breakout season in 2001 and will be one of the of ACC's top returning defensive lineman this year. Calvin "paced" the Demon Deacons with a team high 10 sacks, 18 tackles for loss (2nd) and is the teams' 3rd leading returning tackler. In the middle, Dunbar's (Washington DC) Montique Sharpe (6-3 287 Sr.) will be a key returnee on the Deacon defensive front. Sharpe finished tied for ninth on the team last season with 52 total tackles while contributing seven tackles-for-loss, five quarterback sacks and five quarterback hurries.

Look for a lot of shuffling early on before Wake settles on a starting trio in the linebacker ranks. One sure spot is middle linebacker where Wake's leading returning tackler Kellen Brantley (6-3 236) will start. The rising junior recorded 95 tackles and tied for the team lead with three interceptions in 2001. Brantley, who was third on the team last fall in tackles for loss with 11 has the skills to be an all-conference performer. The other inside linebacker could be Jamie Scott (6-0 218 Sr.), a converted running back who developed into a dependable reserve last season. In 10 games last fall Scott delivered 31 tackles "but his relative inexperience remains a question," according to Athlon's preseason Wake analysis. The likely final starter is Brad White (6-1 216 So.). White sat out last season after transferring to Wake Forest at semester break from Georgia, where he redshirted back in 2000. A two-time USA Today All-America honorable mention, Brad was named to the Tom Lemming Top 250 coming out of high school. Sophomore Mike Hamlar (6-2 200) out of Cave Spring High in Roanoke returns as one of the most experience players at outside linebacker. Hamlar started the first four games last season. Junior Dion Williams (6-1 239) was also a solid reserve last season before suffering an injury that kept him out of Wake's final eight games. Sophomore Tyrek White (6-3 233), another converted running back, saw most of his action on special teams. Junior Jamaal Argrow 6-1 217) hopes to have his first injury-free season and see time in the linebacking rotation as well.

Sophomore corners Eric King (5-9 183) and Marcus McGruder (5-9 180)"can cover and attack in run support," says the Sporting News Matt Hayes. King is a smart, physical player who saw action in all 11 games last season earning a starting role by midseason where he started the final seven games. A precision tackler, King totaled 55 hits (4th among returning players) including 46 solo tackles and was third on the Deacs in pass breakups with 6. McGruder ended the year with 52 tackles, 9 pass breakups (2nd on the team) and tied for the team lead with 3 interceptions. Caron Bracy (6-0 213 So.) saw action in all 11 games during his rookie season and was named ACC Rookie of the Week (Nov. 24) for his play against Northern Illinois and will return to what is essentially a strong safety position in coach Dean Hood's 3-3-5 alignment. Bracy's role increased during the course of the season as he started the final six contests at safety finishing the year with 39 total tackles, including 26 solo stops. Bracy matched his season high with 8 tackles against the Hoos. Obi Chukwumah (6-2 200 Jr.) started the first four games of the year at free safety, then started the final five games in the Deacs' 3-3-5 as a nickel back. Obi ranked eighth on the team with 53 total tackles. After starting the season at cornerback, Quintin Williams (6-2 195 Jr.) moved to starting free safety for the final seven games of the year. He ranked fourth on the team with 72 total tackles, including 48 solo stops and also had a team-high 11 pass break-ups while reordering two interceptions. With all the starters returning expect significant improvement this fall on a league worst 267.1 yards per game passing defensive effort in 2001.

Special Teams

It will be difficult for Wake Forest to replace steady Tyler Ashe at placekicker. Ashe was 11-of-14 on field goal attempts and 33-of-34 on PATs last season. Freshman Chris Strappel (6-0 180) and Matt Wisnosky (6-1 190 So.) are the top candidates. The Deacons used three punters in 2001 and coach Grobe is hoping someone will emerge as a dependable starter. Junior Chris Rolle (5-11 189) punted the most (33 attempts), but James MacPherson had the higher average (42.4). Sophomores Andrew Shelton (6-0 185) and Wisnosky will push Rolle for the starting job. Speedy John Stone, one of the ACC's all-time kick return leaders is gone. But Fabian Davis, who returned 10 kicks for an average of 23.2 yards per return, is back in the fold. Davis is likely serve as Wake's punt returner as well and was rated by Phil Steele's Preseason College Football Preview as a 2nd Team All-ACC return man.

Final Thoughts

Jim Caldwell did a nice job recruiting and redshirting his kids at Wake over the last several years and from a talent level standpoint, we do not feel it's too outlandish to say that Wake can competed with every team in the ACC (except FSU) with their first 22. Depth is the big issue. As we stated early on, Wake could be better this season but not necessarily have a better record. With sure wins over Northern Illinois, Duke, and Navy, and we think back to back wins over the Heels, Hoos and East Carolina at home, the Deacs are already looking at a 500% season. But with swing games on the road at NC State, Purdue, Georgia Tech, Clemson and Maryland, we think a winning season may be a lot to ask. Last season Wake lost to Clemson, Tech, State and Maryland by an average of only 5.5 points per game and had scoring opportunities late in all four. When you consider that Wake won four road games in 2002 (ECU, Virginia, UNC, Duke) we will not be surprised to see them pick off a few of those road test again this season. If they hold serve at home, don't be surprised with a couple of road upsets and a post season opportunity for the Demon Deacons.

Wake - 24 UVA - 21
Prediction: 3-5 ACC, 6-6 Overall

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