It is year three for Wake Forest Head Coach Dave Clawson and it looks like his team is finally ready to make the jump to a bowl season after two long rebuilding years in Winston-Salem. The Demon Deacons have only won six games in the past two years and have really struggled in ACC play with only two wins in conference play during that time too. Wake Forest has some factors that look to bolster their team this season on both offense and defense in addition to a favorable schedule which could help the Deacons improve their record enough to earn a trip to a bowl game.
Young Offensive Playmakers
The Demon Deacons struggled for years on having consistency in the skill positions of wide receiver, running back and tight end. They have found some answers though in TE Cam Serigne, WR Cortez Lewis, WR Tabari Hines and their new committee of running backs led by Tyler Bell and Matt Colburn. Cortez Lewis led the team in receiving with 611 yards and four touchdowns.
Serigne and Hines accumulated seven total touchdowns themselves as the group scored 11 of the 13 total receiving touchdowns scored by the team. Wake’s run game will need to be more effective, but Bell and Colburn have shown improvement as last season went on and should take another step forward this year.
QB Competition
John Wolford should be the favorite to start as he is the oldest player at the position and took the most snaps last year even with his ankle injury. In his absence last year, Kendall Hinton showed a lot of promise as he won at Army, and played a few close games against Indiana and Florida State. Freshman Kyle Kearns is also an interesting player in the quarterback battle. Kearns was redshirted last season and looks to challenge for the starting role himself. Wolford has the edge however and if he can limit his interceptions and show that he has the best understanding of the offense, then he will start week one.
Defense
With the loss of Brandon Chubb, Wake Forest will look to rely on Marquel Lee at the linebacker spot. Lee has shown his ability and should be the defensive team leader. Ryan Janvion will also be a leader and impact player on the Deacons defense. He will need to lead the secondary especially when they go up against some talented receivers and quarterbacks in ACC play.
If the Demon Deacons can get improvement in their offense and their defense can just retool after their leaders graduated, then with an easier schedule, they will have a chance to take a step forward and even earn a bowl bid for the first time since 2011.