Wake Forest Athletics
Deacons Spread Message of Energy at Media Day
8/3/2013 12:00:00 AM | Football
August 3, 2013
By Alex Botoman, Wake Forest Athletic Communications (@WakeFB)
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - As Wake Forest players and coaches talked to the approximately 20 members of the media that came to their annual Media Day at BB&T Field Saturday morning, there was a consistent theme that emerged - energy.
With the first practice of preseason camp under their belts, the Demon Deacon players described feeling revitalized, and hungry to improve upon their 5-7 record from last season.
"The mentality and energy that we're bringing this year is great," said senior safety A.J. Marshall. "Last year is in the past. We're moving forward, and we've got a lot of young guys that we're looking forward to playing with."
There is reason for optimism with offense and defense returning eight starters apiece from last season's team - experienced players who know what it takes to win and are eager to get back to a bowl game.
"We're hungry, you know?," said Marshall. "We plan on making that big play at the end of the game that we need to win the game."
Disappointment in last year's finish isn't the only reason for the new vibe in camp. No fewer than 34 true freshmen are listed on the preseason camp roster, bringing a youthful exuberance of their own to the proceedings while also addressing one of Wake Forest major weaknesses in 2012 - depth.
"We have a lot more guys now," said senior center Whit Barnes. "In the spring, we only had six or seven offensive linemen."
Now there are 16 offensive linemen on the roster.
"We have great chemistry, said Barnes. "We have good seniors this year, so it looks good right now."
