Jay Venuto (2000) - Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame - Wake Forest University Athletics

Jay Venuto

Induction:
2000

Venuto was the Deacs' starting quarterback in 1979 and 1980, leading Wake Forest to an 8-4 record, a national ranking and a Tangerine Bowl victory in 1979. He was a two-time first-team All-ACC choice. As a junior in 1979, Venuto was ACC Player of the Year when he threw for 2,597 yards and 17 touchdowns, completing 208 of 386 passes (53.9%) and leading the Deacons to an 8-3 regular season mark - the school's best record in more than 30 years.

The following season Wake finished 5-6, but Venuto increased his passing yardage to 2,624 yards and 21 touchdowns. He is still in the Top 10 in several Deacon passing and total offense lists.

Following his graduation from Wake in 1981, Venuto enjoyed a brief professional career with the Baltimore Colts and New York Jets in the NFL and the Birmingham Stallions of the USFL. He served as a part-time assistant coach at Appalachian State, as well as Pittsburgh as a graduate assistant. Venuto returned to coach at his alma mater under head coach Al Groh in 1986.