Claiborne Enjoying New Role as an Example and Leader
4/24/2025 8:25:00 AM | Football
“I need to keep pushing forward in every way I can and hope for the best.” - Demond Claiborne
With teammates along for the ride on a cool, rainy December evening, Demond Claiborne made the pilgrimage to the Spectrum Center in Charlotte to see his favorite recording artist — Rod Wave. Although they loved the show, nobody was pleased when they got back to where they'd parked only to find Claiborne's passenger side windows had been busted.
So they made the uncomfortable commute back to Winston-Salem with both rain and occasional glass flying into them.
"It was terrible," Claiborne said. "I sort of felt bad while they were in the back seat, but I was so upset that they didn't want to say anything to me."
As the 13th Wake Forest 1,000 yard rusher, Claiborne can clearly get it done on the field; but it's the relationships that he builds that provides the fuel for success — with teammates, coaches and fans.
"Coming here has definitely allowed me to develop more trust and understanding," Claiborne said. "I've also established a name for myself on the field. Because of that, I don't stress about my abilities as much anymore; I know I can play at a high level.
"Now, I'm focusing on hitting the weight range I want to be in come August and making sure I'm being a leader — talking to my teammates, helping others, and being the voice of the team.
"Early in my career, it was tough, but now I'm in a place where I can't let anything hold me back. I need to keep pushing forward in every way I can and hope for the best."
With more than 30 new players on the roster and a brand new coaching staff strewn across the field, Claiborne's leadership and relationship building has been put to the test over the last couple of months.
"Everything has been going well so far," he said. "The energy from my teammates is amazing. (Wake Forest director of strength and conditioning) Coach Ben (Iannacchione) has been in my life for just four weeks, and he's already my guy. Whenever I'm doing something, I text him instantly. He gives me feedback and supports me on this journey, letting me know he's there to help me grow as a person. I truly appreciate him and his staff.
"(Running backs) Coach (Effrem) Reed is really laid back and chill, but he genuinely cares. After our first team run, which didn't go as well as we liked, I noticed that some guys didn't drink enough water or eat enough because they thought it wouldn't be that hard — but it definitely was.
"Look, we are going to be the toughest guys on the field," Reed told the group, according to Claiborne. "We're going to do our job, but we're also going to work hard when it's time to work."
"Coach Reed's mindset and passion for getting better are evident, and I think he has one of the toughest jobs coming in," Claiborne explained. "He's working with two established running backs — Tate (Carney) and me — and he has to teach us new concepts and figure out what we like and don't like.
"That can be challenging for a coach, but he's handling it well. He's proactive about meeting with the nutritionist regarding my weight and all that, so he is definitely tuned in and cares. I believe he's a great addition to Wake Forest."
Although he's coming off his best season as a Demon Deacon, Claiborne believes the best is still yet to come, as he becomes acclimated to the new offensive system introduced by new Wake Forest coach Jake Dickert and his staff.
"You'll see me getting downhill much faster, and you'll see the ball thrown to me much more than it was last year," he said. "I caught the ball a lot last year, and we have a variety of ways to get the ball to the running backs. In yesterday's meeting, Coach Reed emphasized how important passing routes are for us.
"In the previous offense, we might have been the last option in the quarterback's progression, but this year, we could be the first. Just knowing that is something I'm very excited about because I love to take advantage of those opportunities. Hearing that from Coach Reed, (offensive coordinator) Coach Zel (Rob Ezell), and Coach Dickert makes me really hopeful about what the future holds."
After the first practice of spring camp, Claiborne told the assembled media that he "plays with a chip on his shoulder," which just happens to be a popular song by Rod Wave.
Mama told me when it rains, it be pourin'
Mama told me it would rain, but it's stormin'
I got this chip on my shoulder forever
I got this chip on my shoulder forever
It might have been raining on his way back from Charlotte in December, and it probably felt like it was storming for Claiborne as he navigated the offseason during the winter, but talent, work ethic and that chip of his shoulder will combine together to deliver a memorable 2025 season for Wake Forest.
"Saquon Barkley is his guy too," Claiborne mentioned. "Saquon is the best running back in the league this year, you know what I mean? It's definitely something that Rod Wave puts out that helps us be successful on the field, so I'm going to keep rocking with him. Can't turn away now."
So they made the uncomfortable commute back to Winston-Salem with both rain and occasional glass flying into them.
"It was terrible," Claiborne said. "I sort of felt bad while they were in the back seat, but I was so upset that they didn't want to say anything to me."
As the 13th Wake Forest 1,000 yard rusher, Claiborne can clearly get it done on the field; but it's the relationships that he builds that provides the fuel for success — with teammates, coaches and fans.
"Coming here has definitely allowed me to develop more trust and understanding," Claiborne said. "I've also established a name for myself on the field. Because of that, I don't stress about my abilities as much anymore; I know I can play at a high level.
"Now, I'm focusing on hitting the weight range I want to be in come August and making sure I'm being a leader — talking to my teammates, helping others, and being the voice of the team.
"Early in my career, it was tough, but now I'm in a place where I can't let anything hold me back. I need to keep pushing forward in every way I can and hope for the best."
With more than 30 new players on the roster and a brand new coaching staff strewn across the field, Claiborne's leadership and relationship building has been put to the test over the last couple of months.
"Everything has been going well so far," he said. "The energy from my teammates is amazing. (Wake Forest director of strength and conditioning) Coach Ben (Iannacchione) has been in my life for just four weeks, and he's already my guy. Whenever I'm doing something, I text him instantly. He gives me feedback and supports me on this journey, letting me know he's there to help me grow as a person. I truly appreciate him and his staff.
"(Running backs) Coach (Effrem) Reed is really laid back and chill, but he genuinely cares. After our first team run, which didn't go as well as we liked, I noticed that some guys didn't drink enough water or eat enough because they thought it wouldn't be that hard — but it definitely was.
"Look, we are going to be the toughest guys on the field," Reed told the group, according to Claiborne. "We're going to do our job, but we're also going to work hard when it's time to work."
"Coach Reed's mindset and passion for getting better are evident, and I think he has one of the toughest jobs coming in," Claiborne explained. "He's working with two established running backs — Tate (Carney) and me — and he has to teach us new concepts and figure out what we like and don't like.
"That can be challenging for a coach, but he's handling it well. He's proactive about meeting with the nutritionist regarding my weight and all that, so he is definitely tuned in and cares. I believe he's a great addition to Wake Forest."
Although he's coming off his best season as a Demon Deacon, Claiborne believes the best is still yet to come, as he becomes acclimated to the new offensive system introduced by new Wake Forest coach Jake Dickert and his staff.
"You'll see me getting downhill much faster, and you'll see the ball thrown to me much more than it was last year," he said. "I caught the ball a lot last year, and we have a variety of ways to get the ball to the running backs. In yesterday's meeting, Coach Reed emphasized how important passing routes are for us.
"In the previous offense, we might have been the last option in the quarterback's progression, but this year, we could be the first. Just knowing that is something I'm very excited about because I love to take advantage of those opportunities. Hearing that from Coach Reed, (offensive coordinator) Coach Zel (Rob Ezell), and Coach Dickert makes me really hopeful about what the future holds."
After the first practice of spring camp, Claiborne told the assembled media that he "plays with a chip on his shoulder," which just happens to be a popular song by Rod Wave.
Mama told me when it rains, it be pourin'
Mama told me it would rain, but it's stormin'
I got this chip on my shoulder forever
I got this chip on my shoulder forever
It might have been raining on his way back from Charlotte in December, and it probably felt like it was storming for Claiborne as he navigated the offseason during the winter, but talent, work ethic and that chip of his shoulder will combine together to deliver a memorable 2025 season for Wake Forest.
"Saquon Barkley is his guy too," Claiborne mentioned. "Saquon is the best running back in the league this year, you know what I mean? It's definitely something that Rod Wave puts out that helps us be successful on the field, so I'm going to keep rocking with him. Can't turn away now."
Players Mentioned
RB
/ Football2025 Moffitt Ceremony
Wednesday, December 10
Wake Forest Head Coach Jake Dickert National Signing Day Press Conference
Thursday, December 04
Dec. 3, 2025: Coach Jake Dickert National Signing Day Press Conference
Wednesday, December 03
Steve Forbes Postgame Presser vs. Oklahoma
Wednesday, December 03