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The Wake Forest defensive line will be without a critical piece in the 2016 season. Zeek Rodney, a junior out of Rock Hill, South Carolina, will take a leave of absence from the university and will return to the program in 2017.
Zeek started all 12 games last season, and recorded 22 tackles, including 2 tackles for loss. He’s listed at 6’1”, 295-pounds, so his physical presence on the interior will certainly be missed. How will Wake replace his production? I expect Willie Yarbary and Chris Stewart to compete for the starting position at nose tackle. Elontae Bateman should see time as a redshirt freshman, and true freshman Suilaman Kamara has a very legitimate chance to play this season. Clawson prefers to redshirt those on the offensive and defensive lines, but the absence of Rodney may leave him no other choice.
We wish Zeek all the best with his personal issues, and hope that he is able to return to Wake Forest stronger than ever.