Wake Forest Athletics
Deacs Ready For Football
8/23/2000 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 23, 2000
Head Coach Jim Caldwell on his incoming recruiting class:
"We hope to be able to redshirt about 20 in this group and we typically will play play about three to four. The same thing will probably happen with this group... This class I think - I shouldn't say I think - I know without question, is the best we've had."
Caldwell on C.J. Leak's focus, setting realistic expectations and leadership:
"C.J. does not do a whole lot outside of studies and football... We try to work on him. That's the big thing. A lot is expected of him. Nevertheless, he's going to expect more of himself than anybody. He's a perfectionist. He wants to complete every pass and we want him have that competitiveness. He must stay realistic though... He's a take charge kind of guy. The need to get in somebody's face hasn't happened yet. He definitely has the ability to do it. His teammates respect him, so they listen to him. He's an imposing physical presence as well. "
Caldwell on last season:
"Last year doesn't mean a whole lot anymore. It's in the past. It's external. I hope you don't hear our guys talking about it. If our guys can't get motivated to play the game outside of that, then I'm coaching the wrong guys."
Caldwell on Wide Receiver John Stone:
"He certainly will play more of a primary role in our offense. He'll get a few more touches than he did in previous years. He's a guy you better keep your eyes on. He's explosive. You're not going to find many teams that will only put single coverage on him."
Defensive End Bryan Ray on C.J. Leak:
"He's C.J. He's gonna have rough days. He's gonna be up and down but for the most part, he looks good."
Ray on Leak's strength (Leak bench presses 390 lbs.):
"I saw him when he was testing. I looked over and thought I saw C.J. But then I thought, that can't be him with that much weight. You don't see that that much."
Ray on his leadership role (Ray is the only returning starter on defense):
"For a while, I was looking at it like it was tough. But I lead by example. I'm not into the rah-rah stuff. I have a tendency to yell. But I think we should spread out the leadership. I'm not going to break it down everytime, just to break it down. I let my play be my example."
Quarterback C.J. Leak on the team:
"We've got a lot of young eager guys that have the ability to get it done. We've got a lot of team unity. If I just go out there and play my game, we'll do fine."
Leak on playing quarterback:
"I love being out there in control with the ball in my hands, making the big play. It's not all about you. It's about helping other people out."
Center Vince Azzolina on run blocking:
"To be honest with you, I like to run the ball. I don't know any offensive lineman that doesn't like to run block. You're one-on-one and hitting."
Azzolina commenting on the Demon Deacon tattoo on his right bicep:
"I got it in January. I told some teammates that if we went to a bowl game and won, I'd get a tatoo. I'm a man of my word."
