Wake Forest Football 2013 Spring Wrap Up

Spring Summary

The theme for the Demon Deacon spring was offense, as in, “Installing a new offense.”

Prior to the start of practice Jim Grobe gave a series of interviews confirming a return to more of an option look, with the hope that: 1) talented tailbacks Joshua Harris and Deandre Martin can be more effectively used, 2) defenses will have to respect Tanner Price’s athleticism outside the pocket and 3) to draw double teams away from All-Everything receiver Michael Campanaro.

As Tanner Price told Blogger So Dear, “Last year, defenses either dropped eight and played the pass, or they brought the house.” An option-based attack should shake that up a bit.

Ready for their Close-Up

Orville Reynolds (Jr. WR): Known around Winston-Salem as a talented running back who had his redshirt burned late in the 2011 season after Joshua Harris checked in to Jim Grobe’s doghouse. Moved to flanker to take advantage of his speed without getting him banged up in the option. Reynolds showcased his skills this spring while Michael Campanaro and Matt James rehabbed injuries.

Ryan Janvion (R-Fr FS): Nobody took advantage of his spring reps more than Ryan Janvion, who had breakout performances in all three full scrimmages at BB&T field. Janvion picked off a pass and recovered a fumble in the spring game, after a 9-tackle performance in a scrimmage the week before. Janvion bolsters and already impressive defensive backfield led by Bud Noel and A.J. Marshall.

Position Grades

Tanner Price (Jeremy Brevard-US PRESSWIRE)

Grading the Deacs on offense is a dart-throw at this point, as they are installing a new offense. Besides, they still haven’t played a snap with a fully healthy unit since- 2011? Assuming a healthy offensive line, the Deacs have enough talent at RB and WR to gnash the teeth of many defensive coordinators. Tanner Price needs to have a good season, but for the first time in his career, it’s not all on his shoulders.

Defensively, the veteran leaders on this team believe they can have the same success on the field as the “Fresh Deacs”- the group of Deacs from 2004-2008 that helped change the face of Wake Forest football. If the defensive line can generate any type of pass rush, that belief can possibly come to fruition. If they are unable to get off the field, though, it could be a long season.

Crystal Ball

There is virtually no shot at any preseason hype for this senior-laden Demon Deacon team. Why should there be? The offensive line is still banged up, the best offensive player didn’t go through spring workouts, and they’ve got a new offensive scheme to install before the home opener against Presbyterian.

Based solely on talent level at the skill positions, this team should be good enough to grab a bowl bid, at the very least. In addition, the coaching staff has temporarily eliminated their long-standing redshirt policy, thereby opening up competition for the entire roster for the first time in the Grobe regime.

The schedule sets up favorably for the Deacs, who could conceivably be 4-0 before visiting Clemson on September 28. A trip to Miami looms, as well as a visit to North Carolina State. If that’s the worst of the worst in scheduling, and the injury bug stays away, I wouldn’t be surprised if this team reached eight wins in 2013.

John Mundy of Blogger So Dear provided the information for our Wake Forest Football 2013 Spring Wrap Up. For more Wake Forest football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow John on Twitter @JP_Mundy.