Wake Forest will lean on its veteran leadership and continuity to make a push for the ACC title.
Dave Clawson has led the Demon Deacons since 2013, using his tenure to build a culture that’s sustainable throughout the years. As the college sphere continues to shift, Clawson remains confident about Wake’s ability to retain players.
“These three guys are in their fifth and sixth years, and all three of them could be in the NFL if they wanted. A year ago, we didn’t have this. I think the fact that we have players the caliber of Jasheen Davis, DeVonte Gordon and Taylor Morin coming back to play their last year at Wake Forest shows we’ve made progress in the last year.”
Jasheen Davis shares the same sentiment, citing Wake Forest’s stellar educational opportunities as a major reason he returned for a fifth season. “Wake Forest is one of the top educational schools in the country. Coming back for my last season allowed me to get my degree. But I respect Coach Clawson a lot, he’s a man of integrity.”
Sam Hartman’s departure has left a sizable hole in the Demon Deacons’ offense, but certain weapons know the symbiotic relationship needed to move the sticks. Grad student athlete and wide receiver, Taylor Morin, can’t wait to start fall camp, as the realization this could be his last hoorah slowly starts setting in.
“We’re an older football team. We’re ready to leave it out there, whether that’s maximizing hours in the weight room, in the film room…it’s really our last go around for a lot of us guys. Whatever it takes to win, we’re ready to do that and get Wake Forest right back where it belongs.”
The stakes are high for Dave Clawson and the Demon Deacons, not knowing what direction the program will head in after key veterans move on. Wake Forest feels confident about their roster, as they look to show supporters they have a rightful place in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
