Deacons Add Two Signees; Bring Class Total To 18

Feb. 5, 2004

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Wake Forest football has added two signees to its 2004 recruiting class, head coach Jim Grobe has announced. On Thursday, the school received national letters-of-intent from Eric Berry of Suffolk, Va. and Chip Brinkman of Belleair, Fla. Berry, a linebacker, becomes the sixth LB to sign with WFU this season. Brinkman, a wide receiver, joins two other wideouts in this year's class.

Berry, a highly-ranked recruit out of Nansemond River HS, tallied 140 tackles and had 20 tackles for loss during his senior season, earning district Defensive Player of the Year honors. Brinkman caught 53 passes for 1,166 yards and nine touchdowns as a junior and earned first-team all-state honors as a punter this season out of Clearwater Central Catholic.

The additions of Berry and Brinkman brings Wake Forest's class to 18 signees, which completes this year's group. A 19th newcomer, defensive end Eric Gaskins out of Durham, N.C., enrolled at Wake Forest in January after playing last fall at Hargrave Military Academy.

Breaking down this year's signing class, a total of 13 are on the defensive side of the ball, including six linebackers, three defensive ends, two free safeties and two cornerbacks. On offense, the Deacs now have three wide receivers to go with one quarterback. Wake Forest also signed a placekicker.

The addition of Brinkman means that Florida, with six signees in this year's class, is now most well-represented state. Five of the Deacs' recruits hail from North Carolina, with three from Georgia, two from Virginia and one each from South Carolina and Kentucky.

Name	Position	Height	Weight	Hometown	High School
Stanley Arnoux	LB	6-2	218	Sunrise, FL	Glades Day
Richard Belton	LB	6-1	230	Chapel Hill, NC	East Chapel Hill
Eric Berry	LB	6-2	245	Suffolk, VA	Nansemond River
Demir Boldin	WR	6-1	205	Pahokee, FL	Pahokee
Chip Brinkman	WR	6-2	210	Belleair, FL	Clearwater Central Catholic
Mike Causey	LB	6-0	210	Wilmington, NC	E.A. Laney
Aaron Curry	LB	6-3	210	Fayetteville, NC	E.E. Smith
Anthony Davis	DE	6-6	235	Columbia, SC	Spring Valley
Brandon Drumgoole	DE	6-6	235	Greensboro, NC	Ragsdale
Allan Holland	QB	6-2	220	Hazard, KY	Perry County Central
Kerry Major	FS	6-1	170	Toccoa, GA	Stephen County
Chantz McClinic	FS	5-10	190	Rome, GA	Darlington School
Kevin Patterson	CB	5-11	175	Kingsland, GA	Camden County
Alphonso Smith	CB	5-10	180	Pahokee, FL	Pahokee
Sam Swank	PK	6-1	180	Jacksonville Beach, FL	Fletcher
Jeremy Thompson	DE	6-5	230	Charlotte, NC	Charlotte Christian
Chip Vaughn	WR	6-2	190	Fairfax, VA	Robinson Secondary
Antonio Wilson	LB	6-3	215	Pahokee, FL	Pahokee

Stanley Arnoux
LB * 6-2 * 218 * Sunrise, FL (Glades Day)
Listed as the country's No. 116 linebacker by TheInsiders.com * had 125 solo tackles and three interceptions as a senior in 2003 * also collected 500 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on offense * earned all-area honors * a first-team all-state selection * named the Defensive Player of the Year by the Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel * runs a 4.6 40 * coached by Craig Dobson at Glades Day.
"Stanley is an outstanding young man. He is a true team leader. He is a unique player in that his performance level actually elevates the effort and intensity levels of his teammates. Stanley is simply the best player I have ever coached at any level!" -- Glades Day Coach Craig Dobson

Richard Belton
LB * 6-1 * 230 * Chapel Hill, NC (East Chapel Hill)
Collected 40 tackles as a senior * an all-around threat, compiling over 2,000 all-purpose yards, including 1,800 rushing yards * named the team Best Offensive player three straight years * earned first team all-area and all-conference honors * named the NCHSAA 3A Player of the Week after a 287-yard rushing performance with three TDs * also a basketball standout, averaging 7.3 points, 8.0 assists, 6.7 rebounds and 2.3 steals as a senior * runs a 4.6 40 * coached by J.W. Montgomery at East Chapel Hill.
"Richard was a great leader for four years. He's a very mature athlete with one goal -- to be a great person on and off the field." -- East Chapel Hill Coach J.W. Montgomery

Eric Berry
LB * 6-2 * 245 * Suffolk, VA (Nansemond River)
A national high school All-American * had 140 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumbles recovered and four pass breakups as a senior * listed as the country's No. 86 linebacker by TheInsiders.com * earned first-team all-district honors * named the Southeastern District's Defensive Player of the Year * tabbed All-Tidewater first team * owns a 3.1 GPA * runs a 4.8 40 * coached by Brian Maus at Nansemond River.
"Eric is a tremendous, well-mannered young man who is a force at linebacker. He's a great run-stopper who hasn't begun to reach his peak potential." -- Nansemond River Coach Brian Maus

Demir Boldin
WR * 6-1 * 205 * Pahokee, FL (Pahokee)
Named the Defensive Player of the Year by the Palm Beach Post * a first-team all-state selection * had 107 tackles, two interceptions and four forced fumbles as a senior * also had 29 receptions for 691 yards and nine touchdowns on the other side of the ball * listed as the country's No. 77 safety by TheInsiders.com * helped the Blue Devils to a 13-1 record and the 2B state championship * a first-team all-state selection at linebacker * recorded nine tackles and caught a 58-yard touchdown pass from Alphonso Smith in the state title game * played in the Outback Bowl, the Palm Beach All-Star Game * is the younger brother of Anquan Boldin, who played football at Florida State and was the NFL's 2003 Rookie of the Year with the Arizona Cardinals * also a starter on the basketball team * comes to WFU with high school teammates Alphonso Smith and Antonio Wilson * runs a 4.6 40 * coached by Leroy Foster at Pahokee.
"Demir is a versatile player who can play a number of positions -- wide receiver, strong safety, linebacker. He's a competitor who was a big part of our state championship." -- Pahokee Coach Leroy Foster

Chip Brinkman
WR * 6-2 * 210 * Belleair, FL (Clearwater Central Catholic)
Caught 53 passes for 1,166 yards and nine touchdowns as a junior * recorded 26 catches for 392 yards and five touchdowns his senior year despite missing the bulk of the season with an injury * also averaged 42 yards per punt his senior year * had two 100-yard receiving games in 2003 * named to Florida All-State first-team * also earned All-Suncoast and all-county honors * selected to play in the Pinellas County North/South All-Star Game * named to the Palms/Pinellas All-Star Team * runs a 4.5 40 * averaging double-figures in scoring on the basketball team * an excellent student with a 3.65 GPA * coached by Mike Jalazo at Clearwater Central Catholic.
"Chip has unbelievable work ethic. He lives in the gym. He's a rare athlete who will do well in any situation, both athletically and academically." -- Clearwater Central Catholic Coach Mike Jalazo

Mike Causey
LB * 6-0 * 210 * Wilmington, NC (E.A. Laney)
Rated the No. 34 player in North Carolina by Rivals.com * a two-time all-conference selection (2002, `03) * named the Wilmington Star's Defensive Player of the Year * captured the state 4A title in wrestling (189-pound weight class) as a junior * had a 45-9 record in wrestling * also a standout in baseball, batting .325 as a junior * named Laney's 2003 Male Athlete of the Year * the latest in the Laney-WFU pipeline, following former Deac Tarence Williams and current players R.D. Montgomery and Cori Stukes * coached by Chuck Martin at E.A. Laney.
"Mike is an outstanding athlete and leader. He is an extremely physical kid who will get nothing but better." -- E.A. Laney Coach Chuck Martin

Aaron Curry
LB * 6-3 * 210 * Fayetteville, NC (E.E. Smith)
The conference defensive player of the year * also earned all-conference and all-region honors * tallied 123 tackles during his senior year * also saw action as a tight end, catching three key receptions * selected to the North Carolina-South Carolina Shrine Bowl as a tight end * runs a 4.6 40 * coached by Mike Earwood at E.E. Smith.
"Aaron's enthusiasm and emotion will hopefully spread throughout the team like it has at E.E. Smith." -- E.E. Smith Coach Mike Earwood

Anthony Davis
DE * 6-6 * 235 * Columbia, SC (Spring Valley)
Ranks 28th nationally at the weakside defensive end position by Rivals.com * listed as the country's No. 60 defensive end by TheInsiders.com * named Spring Valley's defensive MVP * tallied 58 tackles, four tackles for loss, four sacks, three pass break-ups, five QB hurries, a forced fumble and fumble recovery as a senior despite missing the first three games with a high ankle sprain * earned all-area and all-region honors * totaled 119 tackles during his career * runs a 4.8 40 * coached by Jimmy Noonan at Spring Valley.
"I think Anthony's better years are ahead of him. He has great size potential and once he catches up with his body, he'll be a great player. He's just a great person as well." - Spring Valley Coach Jimmy Noonan

Brandon Drumgoole
DE * 6-6 * 235 * Greensboro, NC (Ragsdale)
Had 72 tackles, six for a loss, four caused fumbles, one fumble recovery, and six sacks as a junior * listed as the country's No. 70 defensive end by TheInsiders.com * selected to the North Carolina-South Carolina Shrine Bowl * also plays basketball and runs track * runs a 4.85 40 * coached by Tommy Norwood at Ragsdale.
"Brandon is one of the finest student-athletes I have ever coached. Wake Forest has found a diamond in the rough! He is also a perfect fit for Wake in that he also has a 3.6 GPA." -- Ragsdale Coach Tommy Norwood

Allan Holland
QB * 6-2 * 220 * Hazard, KY (Perry County Central)
A four-year starter at quarterback for Perry County * threw for 2,200 yards as a senior while rushing for 900 yards * amassed 7,100 yards in his career with a school-record 76 touchdowns * earned honorable mention all-state honors * named the 3A district player of the year * also a standout in basketball and baseball * ranked as the region's No. 2 basketball player, averaging 17.0 points and 9.0 rebounds * hit .550 as a junior in baseball * runs a 4.7 40 * coached by Jason Chappell at Perry County.
"Al is extremely intelligent. He's big and strong but his competitiveness sets him apart from the rest of the team. If you had 11 Al Holland's on the field you'd win a lot of games." -- Perry County Central Coach Jason Chappell

Kerry Major
FS * 6-1 * 170 * Toccoa, GA (Stephen County)
Considered one of the top 50 players in the state of Georgia * named the Northeast Georgia Player of the Year * also an all-state selection as a safety * recorded 80 tackles as a senior * an all-purpose threat, collecting over 600 rushing yards and 400 receiving yards * also returned one kickoff for a touchdown * blocked three punts, returning two for touchdown * scored 22 total touchdowns as a senior on offense, defense and kicking situations * named the team's most valuable defensive back, running back and wide receiver * averaging 22.0 points per game in basketball * also a track standout, qualifying for the state 100 meters with a time of 10.6 * runs a 4.38 40 * a strong student who owns a 3.7 GPA and ranks in the top 15 percent of his class * coached by Charles Winslett at Stephen County.
"Kerry is an outstanding young man, he works hard on the basic skills. He has great speed. He brings a lot to the table both athletically and academically." -- Stephen County Coach Charles Winslett

Chantz McClinic
FS * 5-10 * 190 * Rome, GA (Darlington School)
Ran for 1,210 yards, scoring 16 touchdowns as a senior * also recorded 100 tackles with three interceptions and four sacks on the other side of the ball * named 2A first-team all-state as a defensive back * also competes in track, basketball and lacrosse * averages 11.0 points per game in hoops * runs a 4.45 40 * coached by Tommy Atna at the Darlington School.
"Chantz has instincts that are not coachable. He is always around the ball with a knack for making plays. He makes a physical impact on both sides of the ball." -- Darlington School Coach Tommy Atna

Kevin Patterson
CB * 5-11 * 175 * Kingsland, GA (Camden County)
Considered one of the top 50 players in the state of Georgia * led his Camden County team to a 15-0 record and the 5A state championship in 2003 * the team went 13-1 during his junior year * collected 70 tackles, including 41 solo stops, as a senior * also had five interceptions, including one for a touchdown * played a role in three opponent fumbles (one caused, two recovered) * averaged 33.8 yards on kickoff returns * on the offensive side of the ball, had 95 carries for 502 yards and six touchdowns * also caught 13 passes for 246 yards and four TDs * named the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's All-State Team * also tabbed first-team all-state by the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association * selected to play in the North-South All-Star Game * owns a 3.3 GPA * runs a 4.4 40 * coached by Jeff Herron at Camden County.
"Kevin is a great kid, a hard-working young man who is a proven winner with a lot of determination." -- Camden County Coach Jeff Herron

Alphonso Smith
CB * 5-10 * 180 * Pahokee, FL (Pahokee)
A talented player at both QB and DB * the runner-up for state Player of the Year * helped the Blue Devils to a 13-1 record and the 2B state championship * named MVP of the state title game * threw a 58-yard TD strike to Demir Boldin in the state title game * as a quarterback, threw for 2,400 yards and 32 touchdowns * also rushed for 640 yards and six TDs * responsible for 38 touchdowns as a senior, including scores on interception, punt, kickoff and fumble returns * had 27 tackles, a sack and four interceptions as a cornerback, earning first-team all-state honors * played in the Outback Bowl, the Palm Beach All-Star Game * also a starter on the basketball team * comes to WFU with high school teammates Demir Boldin and Antonio Wilson * coached by Leroy Foster at Pahokee.
"Alphonso is the best athlete that I have ever coached! He has been an absolute difference maker for Pahokee High School and our program." -- Pahokee Coach Leroy Foster

Sam Swank
PK * 6-1 * 180 * Jacksonville Beach, FL (Fletcher)
A four-year starter as a placekicker * also handled punting and kickoff duties * a three-time all-conference selection * earned all-state honors in 2000 * was 27-of-35 in field goals during his prep career * converted on field goals of 51 and 54 yards as a senior * scored over 200 points * helped team to an 11-2 record and a regional final appearance * also a member of Fletcher's soccer team which is currently ranked No. 1 in Florida * an excellent student with a 3.8 GPA who is graduating in the top 25 percent of his class * named Fletcher's Student-Athlete of the Year * coached by Joe Reynolds at Fletcher.
"Sam is a great young man. He's kicked for us for four years. He can do it all -- punt, kick, kick off. We will miss him. Wake Forest is getting a great one." -- Fletcher Coach Joe Reynolds

Jeremy Thompson
DE * 6-5 * 230 * Charlotte, NC (Charlotte Christian)
Ranks 40th nationally at the strongside defensive end position by Rivals.com * also ranks 19th among North Carolina prospects by the same publication * listed as the country's No. 37 defensive end by TheInsiders.com * also ranks No. 90 on the "Atlantic Hot 100" by the same publication * runs a 4.75 40 * coached by Greg Simmons at Charlotte Christian.
"Jeremy has an unbelievable work ethic and a very positive outlook. Not to mention that he can flat out play." -- Charlotte Christian Coach Greg Simmons

Chip Vaughn
WR * 6-2 * 190 * Fairfax, VA (Robinson Secondary)
Listed as the country's No. 56 wide receiver by TheInsiders.com * also ranks No. 67 on the "Atlantic Hot 100" by the same publication * had 96 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, six PBU and two interceptions, including one for a TD * also caught 12 passes for 180 yards and a touchdown * named first-team all-district, all-region and all-state as a defensive back * an All-Met selection * named to VirginiaPreps.com's "Top 66" * the 10th-ranked player in the state of Virginia * runs a 4.4 40 * coached by Mark Bendorf at Robinson Secondary.
"Chip has outstanding work ethic. He showed huge improvement from his junior to senior years and this improvement will continue at Wake Forest." -- Robinson Secondary Coach Mark Bendorf

Antonio Wilson
LB * 6-3 * 215 * Pahokee, FL (Pahokee)
A first-team all-state selection at defensive line * also a first-team All-Palm Beach County selection * helped the Blue Devils to a 13-1 record and the 2B state championship * recorded 83 tackles and four forced fumbles as a senior * set a state record with 25 sacks * also had three touchdowns on fumble returns * played in the Outback Bowl, the Palm Beach All-Star Game * runs a 4.6 40 * also a standout basketball player * averaging 28 points per game and, in fact, scored 48 points last night (Feb. 3) in an 80-52 win over Atlantic * led the basketball team to the state semifinals as a junior * comes to WFU with high school teammates Demir Boldin and Alphonso Smith * coached by Leroy Foster at Pahokee.
"Antonio has uncanny athletic ability. He is the best pass rusher I have ever coached, and he is a great team leader." -- Pahokee Coach Leroy Foster

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