Photo by Bob Hebert
This weekend's links feature a couple good pieces on Coach Grobe's success at Wake, an update on Kenny Moore and a couple basketball recruiting notes including one future Deacon who will be on ESPNU Sunday night.
More with Less: Grobe, O'Brien pleased with 2009 recruiting classes despite being ranked low by analysts
"I wouldn't trade the class that we've got right now for another class in the ACC," Grobe said.
Decade rankings 31-50: Little Wake enjoys big success - NCAA Football - CBSSports.com
Once again, how does this happen? Grobe happens to be the best molder of talent in the country. When injuries hit his program in 2006, he adjusted. The quarterback, left tackle and tailback were lost by the third game. Redshirt freshman quarterback Riley Skinner was inserted and competently managed games. Steve Vallos alternated series between right tackle and left tackle to compensate for the injuries. In other words, Grobe does what few do. He doesn't hang his head when injuries hit, he outthinks his opponents. In 2006, Grobe's famed "orbit" and "jet" sweeps replaced straight-ahead because the Deacons couldn't.
UNCW's 2009-10 schedule includes home date with Wake Forest | StarNewsOnline.com
The highlight, of course, is a Dec. 16 home game against Wake Forest. The disappointing part of this date is that students will be on semester break. Still, expect a packed house for the Deacons’ first visit since 1989.
Assessing Wake Forest's staying power (yes, still) - Dr. Saturday
Preseason predictions: Wake Forest - ACC - ESPN
1. The Demon Deacons will have one of the best offenses in the ACC.
Shootout returns to regional roots - CharlotteObserver.com
Statesville's Tyler Lewis, a 5-11 sophomore point guard at Forsyth Country Day in Winston-Salem, got a scholarship offer last week from High Point, his father, Rick, said. He also has offers from Auburn, Charlotte, Virginia Tech, Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth and Appalachian State. Wake Forest, South Carolina and Georgia are showing interest.
Camp Countdown: Wide receivers
Kenneth Moore will also be in the mix on punt returns; he joined the Panthers last year after Robinson was placed on injured reserve but did not see the playing field, remaining inactive for the balance of the season. The Charlotte native and Wake Forest alumnus admits that he feels heat from the competition on a daily basis, but says he tries to put it out of his mind. "It's pressure, because you want to prove to the coaches that you can play and deserve a spot on the roster," he said. "But you definitely don't want to put too much pressure on you, because you'll start messing up."
Ranking the ACC units: Defensive backs - ACC - ESPN
11. Wake Forest -- Players like Alphonso Smith just can't be replaced, but Kenny Okoro is going to give it his best shot. Cornerbacks Josh Bush and Okoro both looked impressive this spring while competing for Smith's old position. They got a lot of reps with injured starter Brandon Ghee out and began to establish themselves as capable replacements. Ghee will no doubt be the leader of the unit, though, as he broke up seven passes, second only to Smith.
Chris Paul Basketball Court Dedication - Hornets247.com
Hardin Playground (New Orleans) will be painted to replicate Wake Forest University. Local children will be in attendance to be the first to play on the completed basketball court.
ACC's super seniors - ACC - ESPN
WAKE FOREST: Quarterback Riley Skinner. He's already the school's winningest quarterback with 26 wins, and now he has a chance to go out with a record-setting season. He's got the supporting cast around him, and after the departure of so many playmakers on defense, he's the one the rest of the team will undoubtedly look to for leadership. Skinner owns the school records for passing efficiency and completion percentage in a career. Skinner will need to complete 27 passes, attempt 282, throw for 1,416 yards and throw 11 touchdown passes in order to set school records this fall.
Also several big AAU tournaments are taking place this weekend in Las Vegas and Orlando. Wake Forest commit Melvin Tabb will be on ESPNU Sunday Night at 7:30 playing for the CP3 All-Stars in Orlando.