Wake Forest Athletics
Tom Stepping into New Role as Leader of Beef Boys
9/4/2020 12:30:00 PM | Football, Les Johns
“Having lost three redshirt seniors, there’s going to be a void. So, I’ve tried to fill that hole and tried to help the young guys develop.” - Zach Tom
It'll be a new-look offensive line for Wake Forest Football in 2020, after graduating a trio of redshirt senior starters from a year ago. They then parlayed that experience into NFL contracts, as Justin Herron was drafted in the sixth round by the New England Patriots, while Nate Gilliam was signed by the L.A. Chargers and Jake Benzinger was picked up by the Arizona Cardinals.
And that's coming off the heels of losing three redshirt seniors from the 2018 offensive line as well (Phil Haynes, Ryan Anderson and Patrick Osterhage).
"It'll probably take some time," redshirt junior offensive lineman Zach Tom said. "We're getting there, but we still have a week more to get where we need to be. We have to keep working and practicing full speed, to get the timing down."
Tom started all 13 games at center last season and was an All-ACC honorable mention performer. The plan is for him to move to left tackle this season.
"I've tried to be more of a leader and fill that void," Tom said about losing so much senior leadership. "Having lost three redshirt seniors, there's going to be a void. So, I've tried to fill that hole and tried to help the young guys develop. This year we're going to need them more than ever.
"This is obviously not a normal year. I've tried to be more proactive in my leadership. I've watched film with the younger guys and tried to help them develop their game. I've worked more than ever to get to know the younger guys."
The personnel might have changed, but some things remain constant for the Wake Forest offensive line.
"The Beef Boys moniker will live on," Tom said. "That's something we take a lot of pride in, and we're going to keep that going."
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought several changes to fall camp, including staggered practices, stringent protocols and a more spread out schedule. The offensive line has largely been able to stay on the same page throughout these changing times.
"Our meeting room is pretty big, so we're able to fit the entire unit in there and still spread out," Tom said. "We use the whole room, so nobody is ever too close for too long of a time. That way we can avoid potential spread of the virus.
"I do feel safe. The medical experts here have a plan. We've enacted that plan and we have guys here who are taking it seriously. I definitely feel safer here than I would otherwise."
As the Deacs entered spring camp, the focus was on building depth. Given the extra concerns about COVID-19, that's meant adding versatility — the staff wants to be ready to make adjustments in the rotation with short notice, if needed.
"Pretty much everybody is playing two different positions, in preparation that some guys might not be able to go in some weeks," Tom said. "Versatility is important this season.
"You're not playing with the same four guys all the time as you would in other years. So it's a work in progress, but I think we're making strides."
There's a chance Maryland grad transfer Terrance Davis could end up playing beside Tom at left guard.
"No decisions have been made, but I think Terrence is doing really well and is doing great things in camp," Tom said.
The Wake Forest offense has established itself as an up-tempo dynamic force, putting together the three-most prolific seasons of production in program history the last three years. Despite changes at quarterback, receiver and offensive line, Tom doesn't believe much will change.
"I think we have young guys coming up who are prepared to make plays," Tom said. "I don't think our identity will change that much."
And that's coming off the heels of losing three redshirt seniors from the 2018 offensive line as well (Phil Haynes, Ryan Anderson and Patrick Osterhage).
"It'll probably take some time," redshirt junior offensive lineman Zach Tom said. "We're getting there, but we still have a week more to get where we need to be. We have to keep working and practicing full speed, to get the timing down."
Tom started all 13 games at center last season and was an All-ACC honorable mention performer. The plan is for him to move to left tackle this season.
"I've tried to be more of a leader and fill that void," Tom said about losing so much senior leadership. "Having lost three redshirt seniors, there's going to be a void. So, I've tried to fill that hole and tried to help the young guys develop. This year we're going to need them more than ever.
"This is obviously not a normal year. I've tried to be more proactive in my leadership. I've watched film with the younger guys and tried to help them develop their game. I've worked more than ever to get to know the younger guys."
The personnel might have changed, but some things remain constant for the Wake Forest offensive line.
"The Beef Boys moniker will live on," Tom said. "That's something we take a lot of pride in, and we're going to keep that going."
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought several changes to fall camp, including staggered practices, stringent protocols and a more spread out schedule. The offensive line has largely been able to stay on the same page throughout these changing times.
"Our meeting room is pretty big, so we're able to fit the entire unit in there and still spread out," Tom said. "We use the whole room, so nobody is ever too close for too long of a time. That way we can avoid potential spread of the virus.
"I do feel safe. The medical experts here have a plan. We've enacted that plan and we have guys here who are taking it seriously. I definitely feel safer here than I would otherwise."
As the Deacs entered spring camp, the focus was on building depth. Given the extra concerns about COVID-19, that's meant adding versatility — the staff wants to be ready to make adjustments in the rotation with short notice, if needed.
"Pretty much everybody is playing two different positions, in preparation that some guys might not be able to go in some weeks," Tom said. "Versatility is important this season.
"You're not playing with the same four guys all the time as you would in other years. So it's a work in progress, but I think we're making strides."
There's a chance Maryland grad transfer Terrance Davis could end up playing beside Tom at left guard.
"No decisions have been made, but I think Terrence is doing really well and is doing great things in camp," Tom said.
The Wake Forest offense has established itself as an up-tempo dynamic force, putting together the three-most prolific seasons of production in program history the last three years. Despite changes at quarterback, receiver and offensive line, Tom doesn't believe much will change.
"I think we have young guys coming up who are prepared to make plays," Tom said. "I don't think our identity will change that much."
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