Wake Forest Athletics
Wake Forest Football Practice Report - August 16
8/16/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 16, 2008
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - The Wake Forest football team completed its 16th practice of the summer on a hot and humid Saturday afternoon at the Doc Martin Football Complex. The Deacs practiced in full pads for the 2-hour and 15-minute session that focused on special teams work and 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills.
"I thought we had a good practice today," head coach Jim Grobe said. "It was a little warm today but I thought our guys practiced well. I still don't think we're very sharp right now mentally or physically, but we're working hard. As long as we're working hard, I'm happy."
Two of the main focuses in the practice were special teams work and 11-on-11 action. Near the end of the practice, the offense worked on different situations, including being backed up on its own goal line. Highlights of the 11-on-11 play included cornerback Alphonso Smith intercepting a Riley Skinner pass and Skinner completing a long pass over the middle to tight end Ben Wooster.
"We're having more days now where we are balancing out a bit," Grobe added. "The offense will have a few good plays and the defense will have a few good plays. Earlier in the summer, the offense would look good one day and the defense would look good the next day. We're competing better now. Both sides are winning their share of plays now."
The Deacons will have an off day on Sunday before returning to the practice field on Monday for two sessions. The morning practice on Monday is tentatively scheduled for 9:30 a.m.-Noon, while the afternoon session is slated for 4-6:15 p.m.
Linebackers Position Preview
When you take an overall look at Wake Forest's defense, the most striking aspect is the return of nine starters from last year's team. Among that group of nine are all seven starters from the linebacking and secondary corps.
The three starting linebackers should challenge for ACC supremacy in any type of group rating. Middle linebacker Stanley Arnoux, strong side backer Aaron Curry and weak side linebacker Chantz McClinic will be counted on to anchor the Deacon defense in 2008.
Curry was the most prolific Wake linebacker last year, with an ACC record 256 yards on interception returns. Curry had four picks as a junior and returned three for touchdowns. Those were part of the eight touchdowns accounted for by Wake's defense in 2007. Curry finished second on the club to safety Chip Vaughn with 99 tackles. Curry was the team leader with 13.5 tackles for loss and earned second team All-ACC honors. He was twice named the ACC's defensive player of the week.
"Aaron is a very fast guy with a lot of power to him," said linebacker coach and defensive coordinator Brad Lambert. "He sets high goals for himself and really goes after them. It goes back to his passion for the game."
Arnoux did not get the postseason accolades that Curry received but it wasn't because he didn't deserve them. Arnoux made his presence felt in Wake Forest's 24-10 win over Connecticut in the Meineke Car Care Bowl when he made eight tackles and recorded a half-sack. It was his pass breakup late in the game that ended UConn's final scoring opportunity. Arnoux was third on the club last year with 66 tackles and tops among linebackers with 3.5 sacks.
"Stanley is playing extremely fast right now," said Lambert. "He's a big guy who is a very physical player. He's really improved on his quickness and we're pleased with that."
McClinic became a starter in 2007 and took full advantage of the opportunity. A converted safety, it was McClinic's speed that helped him record 45 tackles and 2.5 sacks.
"Chantz has his weight up," Lambert said. "He moved from safety and is finding his home. He's a very intelligent football player. He knows everything about our defense, knows what people are trying to do to us. He's a very compact player and has a good punch to him."
Those vying for the backup positions are largely an experienced group. Lee Malchow and Jonathan Jones are battling for playing time behind Curry. Hunter Haynes, who gained valuable experience last year but missed spring practice due to an injury, is contending for time at the weakside spot. And Matt Woodlief and Dominique Midgett are both strongly in the mix at middle linebacker behind Arnoux.
"I feel good about where we are depth-wise," said Lambert. "I feel we can put any of those young guys in keep playing at a high level."
Lambert is optimistic about the future of redshirt freshman Gelo Orange and his play.
"Gelo Orange is having a good camp," said Lambert. "He's playing Sam and Will. He's a guy who is a very good football player. He's trying to get a feel for it but he's been a good surprise for us in two-a-days."
As for his total linebacking corps, Lambert thinks this group could be among the best he's ever coached.
"I like their work ethic and their passion," Lambert said. "They show up every day. For the great players, every day is the same for them. That's the way it is for the whole group. I'm pretty fortunate and blessed that they show up and work every day. I don't have any motivational issues. They love to play."
-WakeForestSports.com-
