Wake Forest Athletics
Reynolds Finding His Role
8/9/2013 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 9, 2013
By Gary Petit, Wake Forest Athletic Communications (@WakeFB)
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Early in the 2011 season, the question was which week would head coach Jim Grobe burn the redshirt on Orville Reynolds' and get him on the field. The freshman running back showed great speed and quickness and most fans knew it was only a matter of time.
Turns out, Reynolds made his Demon Deacon debut in prime time against Notre Dame in Week 9. He would play in the final five games that season, including against Mississippi State in the Music City Bowl. Reynolds finished with 28 carries for 109 yards as well as four catches for 25 yards.
Last season however, the 5-9, 185 pound, Coral Springs, Fla., native was lost in the shuffle of an evolving offense. He netted -10 yards in total offense on five carries and a pair of receptions. But this spring, Reynolds was shifted from running back to flanker and the change has seemed to suit him well.
"It's new, but I like it. The spring gave me some time to get used to it, so there are some new and fun things to do."
Senior Michael Campanaro missed spring practice as he recovered from ankle surgery which left the majority of the first string snaps to Reynolds. He took advantage of the opportunity and learned as much as he could.
"I've had to learn to catch the ball from a lot of different angles," Reynolds said. "It's a lot different than just the swing passes at running back. You're expected to make a lot more difficult catches, so I've been getting used to that by training and practicing every day."
Despite a tough 2012 season, Reynolds said it helped him get to where he is today.
"It was a humbling experience," he said. "I had to go through some things, but it just made me better and stronger and made me work harder in the offseason."
Reynolds seems to have carried the momentum he gained in the spring into this fall and looks poised to be a nice compliment to Campanaro in the slot.
"Every team is going to be keying on him, so when they're looking at him, I'll be open," Reynolds said. "The defense will likely swarm to Camp, so I need to be ready to make a play."
Reynolds speed and athleticism has helped him find a new role, one which every Deacon fan hope he flourishes.
