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Head coach Dave Clawson said in the Belk Bowl media conference on Sunday night that he thought this season was helping on the recruiting trail and boy did he get proven correct quickly.
Wake Forest had a group of recruits in this past weekend for an official visit and it paid off handsomely as the Deacs were able to flip former UAB commit WR Atorian Perry and former Appalachian State commit RB Courtney McKinney in the past two days.
Perry is a 6-5 wide receiver out of Florida and had been committed to UAB for a few months before switching his commitment to Wake Forest.
After thinking and discussing with my family, I have decided to decommit from UAB and take my education and football career to the University of Wake Forest. Go Deacs! *Please respect my decision* pic.twitter.com/IX97m1AMXj
— The ❌ (@atorian_perry) December 4, 2017
Matt Campbell and Iowa State had just offered him as well, so he was starting to get a lot of looks from Power 5 programs. He is slated to join Wake Forest in the fall of 2018 and does not plan to enroll early.
McKinney is a North Carolina running back who had been committed to Appalachian State since October before flipping to Wake Forest. According to 247Sports South Carolina offered McKinney on October 28th.
— Courtney Mckinney (@2RE4L_Loose) December 6, 2017
Steve Wilfong of 247Sports really liked McKinney and had him on a list for Power Five programs still looking for a running back for 2018.
East Montgomery (NC) RB Courtney McKinney just committed to #WakeForest. Rushed for 2,463 yds and 27 TDs as a senior after hitting 2,730 yards and 39 TDs as a junior. Good speed, physical, will be one of the best backs in the #ACC: https://t.co/VEJZHpVW1f @MichaelClark247 https://t.co/NO17mRApa1
— Steve Wiltfong (@SWiltfong247) December 6, 2017
The Deacs are ranked 13th in the ACC in the class of 2018, but some of that is due to having 17 commits in the class. There are 16 3-stars according to 247Sports. The staff obviously knows what it is looking for and continues to get out there and bring guys in who fit the criteria to be a Wake Forest Demon Deacon.
Welcome to Wake guys, this is one of the best choices you will ever make in your life so enjoy the ride!