Wake Forest Athletics
Wake Forest NFL Draft Weekend
4/23/2020 7:30:00 PM | Football
The #ProDeacs family added nine new members over the weekend.
The #ProDeacs family has added its newest members during the 2020 NFL Draft weekend.
The Denver Broncos selected linebacker Justin Strnad with the 178th overall pick in the fifth round and the New England Patriots chose offensive lineman Justin Herron with the 195th overall pick in the sixth round.
Strnad became the first Broncos selection since cornerback Alphonso Smith in 2009. It also marks the fourth consecutive season a Wake Forest player has been selected in the annual draft and the 12th Demon Deacon to be picked since 2012.
Herron is just the second Wake Forest player to ever be chosen by the Patriots. The only other came in 1974 when kicker Chuck Ramsey was taken in the sixth round. This is the second consecutive season a member of the #BeefBoys was taken in the draft. Last year, offensive lineman Phil Haynes was a fourth-round pick by the Seattle Seahawks.
After the draft concluded, seven more Demon Deacons quickly found new homes.
Denver continued to add talent off the Wake Forest roster, signing wide receiver Kendall Hinton and defensive back Essang Bassey. The #BeefBoys added to new members to the pros with Jake Benzinger signing with the Arizona Cardinals and Nathan Gilliam inking a contract with the Los Angeles Chargers. Punter Dom Maggio is lacing it up for his hometown team in the Baltimore Ravens. Wide Receiver Scotty Washington signed with the Cincinnati Bengals while cornerback Amari Henderson inked a deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
More on Justin Strnad
After a 105-tackle season as a junior, Strnad was on pace to crack the century mark again in 2019 with 69 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss through seven games before his season was cut short. The two-time team All-ACC selection was a Bednarik Award watch list member as a senior while also being on the preseason Butkus Award watch list.
After his season was cut short due to injury, he made his return to the field at the NFL Combine in February. He was one of three Demon Deacons invited to the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
From Coach Clawson
"Justin embodies everything that we want a Wake Forest football player to be. He's an extremely hard worker who absolutely loves the game of football. His leadership skills will continue to have an impact on our program for many years to come. We could not be prouder of Justin and look forward to watching all of his future success in the NFL." – head coach Dave Clawson
More on Justin Herron
While at Wake Forest, Herron set a program record with 51 starts in his Demon Deacon career. The bookend left tackle earned All-ACC and All-ACC Academic team honors twice in his career.
Herron was named to the preseason Outland Trophy watch list ahead of the 2019 season and earned Mayo Clinic Comeback Player of the Week on Oct. 22.
After his career finished at Wake Forest, he accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl. He was also one of three Demon Deacons to compete at the NFL Combine in February.
From Coach Clawson
"Justin's accomplishments speak for themselves. He started more football games than any other player in Wake Forest history. He was part of our first recruiting class and spent six years with us. Justin's passion for football and commitment to Wake Forest through the good times and bad while overcoming his personal adverse adversity has made him the man and the player he is today." – head coach Dave Clawson
More on the Wake Forest Undrafted Free Agents
Bassey finished his career with 50 pass break-ups, the second most of any active FBS player. According to Pro Football Focus, Bassey had the most snaps of any draft-eligible defensive back without committing a penalty. He has played 863 plays without a penalty.
Over his three seasons as a starter, he was one of the best cornerbacks in the conference, earning All-ACC honors in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Bassey had a nose for the ball over the course of his final three season, tallying 60 or more tackles in each of those season while totaling 12.5 tackles for loss.
After his senior season ended, he accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl. He was also one of three Demon Deacons to compete at the NFL Combine in February. He ran a 4.46 40-yd dash while leaping 39.5 inches in the vertical jump.
Benzinger started 40 games in his Wake Forest career including the final 39 games at tackle. In 2019, he was an All-ACC selection while also earning a place on the All-ACC Academic Team.
After the season concluded, Benzinger accepted an invitation to the East-West Shrine Game.
Gilliam made 25 starts over his final two seasons at Wake Forest at both guard and tackle. He was one of four #BeefBoys to be named to the All-ACC team this past season, earning third team honors.
Henderson ended his career with 48 passes defended, which was third among all active players in FBS. In 2019, he was a second team All-ACC selection, leading the Demon Deacons with four interceptions. Those four picks ranked 17th nationally and second in the ACC.
He was one of three Demon Deacons to participate in the NFLPA Bowl in January.
After transitioning to wide receiver as an upperclassman, Hinton became one of the most explosive receivers in the ACC. In 2019, he finished second in the ACC in receptions per game with 6.6, fourth in the ACC in receiving yards per game at 91.0 and seventh in the ACC in all-purpose yards at 113.0 per game. His 73 catches this season were sixth most in program history while his 1,001 receiving yards tied for fifth most.
Hinton is one of only four players in school history to have a 100-yard rushing and a 100-yard receiving game in a career. He is one of just six Deacons all-time with a rushing, passing and receiving touchdown in his career.
He was one of three Demon Deacons to participate in the NFLPA Bowl in January.
Maggio, a two-time All-ACC selection, finished his career as the FBS career-active leader in total punt yardage. Over his four seasons at Wake Forest, he totaled 12,703 punt yards, finishing second in the Wake Forest record book. Maggio ended the year second in the league with a 46.8-yard average.
He was a two-time nominee for the Ray Guy Award, given to the best punter in the country.
Washington ended his career as one of the best receivers in program history. He finished in the top 20 in career receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. He also finished his career with a 15.24 yards per catch average, which ranks seventh in Wake history.
This past season he was on the Biletnikoff Award Watch List, awarded to the best wide receiver in the country.His 17.3 yards per reception in 2019 ranked sixth in school history.
He was one of three Demon Deacons to participate in the NFLPA Bowl in January.
From Coach Clawson
On Essang Bassey
"Essang was an outstanding leader and captain for us. Over the course of his career, he was an extremely productive football player who was very unselfish and was always willing to take on any role we asked him whether it was corner, safety or different special teams roles. His versatility will serve him well at the next level." – head coach Dave Clawson
On Jake Benzinger
"I could not be prouder of Jake. He was an under recruited player, who through sheer determination work ethic, willed himself into being an outstanding tackle. For us at Wake Forest and in the ACC, his frame athleticism and work ethic will make him a valuable member of any team that he is a part of." – head coach Dave Clawson
On Nathan Gilliam
"Nate will always be one of the core members of the beef boys. A group of young men and a positional group that really helped change the culture of our entire Wake Forest football program. His personal growth and development as a player coincided with our development as a program." – head coach Dave Clawson
On Amari Henderson
"Amari has played a lot of football for us at Wake Forest in a variety of different roles. I've always admired his ability to bounce back from any adversity and really became one of the best corners in the ACC his senior year." – head coach Dave Clawson
On Kendall Hinton
"Kendall always have a special place in my heart. His career at Wake Forest was a bit of a roller coaster, but he stuck with it saved his best for last. He became a really positive force on our football team in our locker room." – head coach Dave Clawson
On Dom Maggio
"Dom is one of the most talented punters I've ever had the privilege of coaching. His dedication to his skill is unmatched by anybody I've been associated with. I have always admired that he always considered himself a football player who punted. And because of that his work ethic in the weight room, our offseason drills gave him the respect of our entire football team." – head coach Dave Clawson
On Scotty Washington
"Scotty developed into one of the best receivers in the ACC and we were all disappointed that his season was cut short. I believe his best football is still ahead of them and we're grateful to all the contributions he made to Wake Forest football." – head coach Dave Clawson
The Denver Broncos selected linebacker Justin Strnad with the 178th overall pick in the fifth round and the New England Patriots chose offensive lineman Justin Herron with the 195th overall pick in the sixth round.
Strnad became the first Broncos selection since cornerback Alphonso Smith in 2009. It also marks the fourth consecutive season a Wake Forest player has been selected in the annual draft and the 12th Demon Deacon to be picked since 2012.
Herron is just the second Wake Forest player to ever be chosen by the Patriots. The only other came in 1974 when kicker Chuck Ramsey was taken in the sixth round. This is the second consecutive season a member of the #BeefBoys was taken in the draft. Last year, offensive lineman Phil Haynes was a fourth-round pick by the Seattle Seahawks.
After the draft concluded, seven more Demon Deacons quickly found new homes.
Denver continued to add talent off the Wake Forest roster, signing wide receiver Kendall Hinton and defensive back Essang Bassey. The #BeefBoys added to new members to the pros with Jake Benzinger signing with the Arizona Cardinals and Nathan Gilliam inking a contract with the Los Angeles Chargers. Punter Dom Maggio is lacing it up for his hometown team in the Baltimore Ravens. Wide Receiver Scotty Washington signed with the Cincinnati Bengals while cornerback Amari Henderson inked a deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Proud of our 9 student-athletes and Wake Forest graduates who were drafted or signed NFL contracts yesterday. #GoDeacs pic.twitter.com/pwpx5uGNaH
— Dave Clawson (@CoachClawson) April 26, 2020
More on Justin Strnad
After a 105-tackle season as a junior, Strnad was on pace to crack the century mark again in 2019 with 69 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss through seven games before his season was cut short. The two-time team All-ACC selection was a Bednarik Award watch list member as a senior while also being on the preseason Butkus Award watch list.
After his season was cut short due to injury, he made his return to the field at the NFL Combine in February. He was one of three Demon Deacons invited to the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
From Coach Clawson
"Justin embodies everything that we want a Wake Forest football player to be. He's an extremely hard worker who absolutely loves the game of football. His leadership skills will continue to have an impact on our program for many years to come. We could not be prouder of Justin and look forward to watching all of his future success in the NFL." – head coach Dave Clawson
Welcome to #BroncosCountry, @jsgarbs! pic.twitter.com/ePvqDC9LQ8
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) April 25, 2020
More on Justin Herron
While at Wake Forest, Herron set a program record with 51 starts in his Demon Deacon career. The bookend left tackle earned All-ACC and All-ACC Academic team honors twice in his career.
Herron was named to the preseason Outland Trophy watch list ahead of the 2019 season and earned Mayo Clinic Comeback Player of the Week on Oct. 22.
After his career finished at Wake Forest, he accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl. He was also one of three Demon Deacons to compete at the NFL Combine in February.
From Coach Clawson
"Justin's accomplishments speak for themselves. He started more football games than any other player in Wake Forest history. He was part of our first recruiting class and spent six years with us. Justin's passion for football and commitment to Wake Forest through the good times and bad while overcoming his personal adverse adversity has made him the man and the player he is today." – head coach Dave Clawson
NC ➡ NE #Patriots select G Justin Herron with the 195th overall pick. pic.twitter.com/8Go1X0JERk
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) April 25, 2020
More on the Wake Forest Undrafted Free Agents
Bassey finished his career with 50 pass break-ups, the second most of any active FBS player. According to Pro Football Focus, Bassey had the most snaps of any draft-eligible defensive back without committing a penalty. He has played 863 plays without a penalty.
Over his three seasons as a starter, he was one of the best cornerbacks in the conference, earning All-ACC honors in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Bassey had a nose for the ball over the course of his final three season, tallying 60 or more tackles in each of those season while totaling 12.5 tackles for loss.
After his senior season ended, he accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl. He was also one of three Demon Deacons to compete at the NFL Combine in February. He ran a 4.46 40-yd dash while leaping 39.5 inches in the vertical jump.
Benzinger started 40 games in his Wake Forest career including the final 39 games at tackle. In 2019, he was an All-ACC selection while also earning a place on the All-ACC Academic Team.
After the season concluded, Benzinger accepted an invitation to the East-West Shrine Game.
Gilliam made 25 starts over his final two seasons at Wake Forest at both guard and tackle. He was one of four #BeefBoys to be named to the All-ACC team this past season, earning third team honors.
Henderson ended his career with 48 passes defended, which was third among all active players in FBS. In 2019, he was a second team All-ACC selection, leading the Demon Deacons with four interceptions. Those four picks ranked 17th nationally and second in the ACC.
He was one of three Demon Deacons to participate in the NFLPA Bowl in January.
After transitioning to wide receiver as an upperclassman, Hinton became one of the most explosive receivers in the ACC. In 2019, he finished second in the ACC in receptions per game with 6.6, fourth in the ACC in receiving yards per game at 91.0 and seventh in the ACC in all-purpose yards at 113.0 per game. His 73 catches this season were sixth most in program history while his 1,001 receiving yards tied for fifth most.
Hinton is one of only four players in school history to have a 100-yard rushing and a 100-yard receiving game in a career. He is one of just six Deacons all-time with a rushing, passing and receiving touchdown in his career.
He was one of three Demon Deacons to participate in the NFLPA Bowl in January.
Maggio, a two-time All-ACC selection, finished his career as the FBS career-active leader in total punt yardage. Over his four seasons at Wake Forest, he totaled 12,703 punt yards, finishing second in the Wake Forest record book. Maggio ended the year second in the league with a 46.8-yard average.
He was a two-time nominee for the Ray Guy Award, given to the best punter in the country.
Washington ended his career as one of the best receivers in program history. He finished in the top 20 in career receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. He also finished his career with a 15.24 yards per catch average, which ranks seventh in Wake history.
This past season he was on the Biletnikoff Award Watch List, awarded to the best wide receiver in the country.His 17.3 yards per reception in 2019 ranked sixth in school history.
He was one of three Demon Deacons to participate in the NFLPA Bowl in January.
From Coach Clawson
On Essang Bassey
"Essang was an outstanding leader and captain for us. Over the course of his career, he was an extremely productive football player who was very unselfish and was always willing to take on any role we asked him whether it was corner, safety or different special teams roles. His versatility will serve him well at the next level." – head coach Dave Clawson
On Jake Benzinger
"I could not be prouder of Jake. He was an under recruited player, who through sheer determination work ethic, willed himself into being an outstanding tackle. For us at Wake Forest and in the ACC, his frame athleticism and work ethic will make him a valuable member of any team that he is a part of." – head coach Dave Clawson
On Nathan Gilliam
"Nate will always be one of the core members of the beef boys. A group of young men and a positional group that really helped change the culture of our entire Wake Forest football program. His personal growth and development as a player coincided with our development as a program." – head coach Dave Clawson
On Amari Henderson
"Amari has played a lot of football for us at Wake Forest in a variety of different roles. I've always admired his ability to bounce back from any adversity and really became one of the best corners in the ACC his senior year." – head coach Dave Clawson
On Kendall Hinton
"Kendall always have a special place in my heart. His career at Wake Forest was a bit of a roller coaster, but he stuck with it saved his best for last. He became a really positive force on our football team in our locker room." – head coach Dave Clawson
On Dom Maggio
"Dom is one of the most talented punters I've ever had the privilege of coaching. His dedication to his skill is unmatched by anybody I've been associated with. I have always admired that he always considered himself a football player who punted. And because of that his work ethic in the weight room, our offseason drills gave him the respect of our entire football team." – head coach Dave Clawson
On Scotty Washington
"Scotty developed into one of the best receivers in the ACC and we were all disappointed that his season was cut short. I believe his best football is still ahead of them and we're grateful to all the contributions he made to Wake Forest football." – head coach Dave Clawson
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