Sorry the links are a bit late today--I'm fighting a bout of food poisoning. But we have some interesting stuff for you today including bits on Jim Caldwell, former Deac Kevin Marion, and Carson Desrosiers. Oh and congratulations to Bill Haas on his first PGA Tournament event win.
From a Wake to a champion: Jim Caldwell’s Super comeback – ACC Insider - Wilmington Star News - Wilmington, NC - Archive
Ten years ago last November, Jim Caldwell was fired as Wake Forest’s football coach after posting just one winning season in eight years with the Deacons. Today, that same Jim Caldwell is the winningest rookie coach in NFL history and has his team headed to the Super Bowl. Raise your hand if you saw that coming.
The American Indoor Football Association - WR Marion is Running with the Stampede
Listed at 5’11", Kevin Marion may not look like a prototypical wide receiver and kick returner, but he sure does play like one. Kevin started playing football at the age of six and it has been his passion ever since. He continued to improve his game and was determined to exceed his own expectations. After graduating high school, Marion played college ball at Wake Forest University in the Atlantic Coast Conference. During his days as a Demon Deacon, Marion became known for his speed and athleticism and was called the "Devin Hester of the ACC" because of his dynamic playmaking ability. He was then scouted by the Pittsburgh Steelers and invited to training camp. He has also spent time with the Montreal Alouettes of the CFL. Now he begins his indoor football career here in Harrisburg with the Stampede.
Jacobs: Emerging ACC Truths Articles
"For me, it’s kind of like a peacefulness out there," Smith said of his overall play, which merits first team All-ACC consideration. "I’m doing something I love to do. So, relax and not force anything. "I think early in the year I wanted to prove to everybody that we were going to be good, we were going to be good. But now, it’s just kind of relaxation out there, and when the play is there take it and if it’s not set up the offense or kick it out to the shooter."
Wake's Gaudio high on recruit Desrosiers - EagleTribune.com, North Andover, MA
"He's a very skilled four man (power forward) that can shoot the 3," said Gaudio in his brief scouting report of Desrosiers. "We can pick and pop with him and we're a really good rebounding team. He brings that dimension as well. You've got a 6-11 kid that skilled that can pass. He plays the game not only with his body but from the shoulders up."
Another Haas takes a first PGA Tour win - Sports - NewsObserver.com
"This is pretty cool," Haas said by phone. "You look and see your peers winning, and it's something I've wanted to do since I was in college. "Winning is the ultimate out here. It's so hard to do."
goal: Smith wants victories in March
"For me, it's kind of like a peacefulness out there," Smith said. "I'm doing something I love to do, so just relax and not force it. I think early in the year, I wanted to prove to everybody that we were going to be good, we were going to be good, and now it's just kind of relaxation out there." Maybe that's how the Road Runner morphs into the Zen master. His superior skill -- the speed dribble -- tortured the Cavaliers and prompted Coach Tony Bennett to recycle his lecture about sprinting back on defense.
Senior point guards the key The Post and Courier - Charleston SC newspaper
--Wake Forest could be poised for a second-half surge. Aminu is a physical force and Wake has a senior point in Smith. But Wake also has two freshmen who haven't been overwhelmed in Ari Stewart and C.J. Harris. Harris leads ACC rookies in scoring (11.7) and is shooting 41.4 percent from 3.
Players to watch at the 2010 Senior Bowl > Buster Sports
Brandon Ghee, CB, Wake Forest - Ghee had few opportunities to shine in the ACC, a conference not currently known for its aerial assaults. He has the height at 6'0 and jumping ability to challenge for any ball, though. He's also not afraid to step up and make tackles in run support, which will likely be where he makes his name on Saturday.
DraftExpress: The Week Ahead: What to Watch in College Basketball 1/25 - 2/2
Wake Forest at #19 Georgia Tech (Thursday, January 28th: 7 p.m. on ACC Network, FS South/Florida) While this game may be difficult to catch without extended cable packages, there is no denying the fact that this week’s marquee match-up is between two future lottery picks, Wake Forest combo-forward Al-Farouq Aminu and Georgia Tech’s freshman phenomenon Derrick Favors. Also, do not miss a chance to see Wake Forest’s potential-laden freshmen Ari Stewart and C.J. Harris, not to mention a peaking Ishmael Smith. For Georgia Tech, Gani Lawal and Iman Shumpert are well worth watching, as well. Both teams could badly use a win and, given Georgia Tech and Wake Forest’s similarities and up-tempo style, this game should not disappoint.
Blount, Ford, Wilson among standouts in North's first practice - NFL - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com
Brandon Ghee (Wake Forest) also tends to pedal too high and fails to plant and drive quickly enough to make a play on the ball.
Boca's Sullivan latest to commit to Marshall - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com
"Doc is going to turn it around and do it quickly," Sullivan said. "I also like the offensive system being put in place and feel that it fits my strengths." It also had been rumored that Wake Forest was thinking of asking Sullivan to be a gray shirt, meaning he would not enroll in school until next January so he would be part of the Demon Deacons' 2011 recruiting class. That might have made it easier for him to switch his commitment. Also, Marshall has produced two notable NFL quarterbacks in Chad Pennington and Byron Leftwich, another good selling point for Holliday.
ACC honors Wake Forest's Smith, GT's Favors - WMBFNews.com | Myrtle Beach/Florence, SC | News, Weather, Sports
Smith averaged 20 points, seven rebounds and six assists in two ACC victories this week. The Demon Deacons won at North Carolina and at home against Virginia.
Bill Haas Wins The Bob Hope Classic - WAKE FOREST OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE
Bill Haas fired a bogey-free 8-under 64 on Monday and still needed to birdie the final two holes to claim his first PGA Tour title at the Bob Hope Classic in La Quinta, Calif. Haas outlasted a host of players in a shootout on the final day, finishing at a remarkable 30-under par after rounds of 68-66-66-66-64=330. Rain in the California area last Thursday pushed the final round of The Hope back until Monday.
SCACCHoops.com: ACC Basketball Power Rankings 1/25
2. Wake Forest - I wasn't surprised one bit with how Wake Forest handled Virginia, especially when I saw Chas McFarland had a big game. McFarland may be the key to Wake Forest's season as he gives a 3rd scoring option to Ish Smith and Al-Farouq Aminu.