Andersen Looking to Make His Last Year the Best One Yet

Andersen Looking to Make His Last Year the Best One Yet

6/10/2025 7:41:00 AM | Football

“From the first conversations I had with Coach Dickert and his staff, I knew it was going to be really, really good here.” - Nick Andersen

By: Les Johns

There's that magical day in every Spring or Fall Camp where the pads are on for the first time and the players are finally allowed to go full-contact — likely more coveted by defensive players than offensive, but practice regardless suddenly becomes a little bit louder.

"It was pretty evident out there today," Wake Forest sixth-year senior safety Nick Andersen said after the first day in pads. "When you can hear the pads popping—we always say we want the pads to make music. And I definitely heard some music today.

"It was good to finally hit. The whole defense, especially, loves that we can really bring guys to the ground now. The energy was outstanding from both sides. Defense made plays, offense made plays — it was all about the details. Iron sharpens iron, and we saw that a lot today. And again, physicality wins."

Although it was ramped up somewhat as camp entered the next phase, new Wake Forest head coach Jake Dickert had already introduced increased energy, passion and aggression as part of the new Demon Deacon culture; and it has clearly been embraced by the players.

"Yeah, energy plays a big part in that," Andersen said. "Guys are getting excited, but it comes down to being allowed to play fast and physically. When you can take your shot — take it with confidence and leverage — knowing someone's coming in behind you, it lets us all stay connected. That lets you play faster, which in turn lets you be more physical. Playing together, closing angles, buddy tackling—it all adds up to more physical football."

In the handful of days as Dave Clawson moved into an administrative role at Wake Forest and Dickert was hired as the new head coach, Andersen approached the situation with an open mind and heart.

"There have obviously been big changes everywhere, but I felt that this is the best place for me to be," he said. "I love it here. From the first conversations I had with Coach Dickert and his staff, I knew it was going to be really, really good here. From a leadership perspective, we're merging two new styles — some of the old guys with some of the new guys coming together as one. It's not old versus new; this is the new Demon Deacons, and we're all in this together and excited."

Earning a spot on the All-ACC Third Team, Andersen was seventh in the nation with 122 tackles last season. It didn't take long for him to become acclimated with new director of strength and training Ben Iannacchione to help get better prepared for the 2025 campaign.

"Coming back was a big decision for me," Andersen explained. "I was a late bloomer; I got thrown in my freshman year and wasn't nearly physically ready to play. So every year, my biggest battle has been to continue getting stronger in the weight room and getting faster — straight-line speed, agility, etc.

"This has been probably one of my best offseasons so far in terms of strength. My weight is up, my body fat percentage is down, and I'm the strongest and fastest I've ever been. I'm continuing to learn from these new strength coaches and buy into what they're giving us. I believe it will pay off for me and our team this fall."

While appreciative of the coaches he's worked with in the past, Andersen is excited to learn from new defensive coordinator Scottie Hazelton and help lead the installation of his defensive systems.

"You just get accustomed to it," Andersen said. "They made some changes to their language and changes to ours. But flashcards are key. Just get your flashcards going, and in about a week or so, you'll figure things out.

"We're starting to pick things up — the game's slowing down for us, especially with this new defense. When you don't have to think too much about what you're doing or the rotations, you can play faster. That's starting to settle in with the guys. It's great to see some of the younger players getting out there and making plays."

The deeper the Demon Deacons progressed through Spring Camp, the better Andersen felt about his decision to remain with Wake Forest for his final collegiate season.

"Just the energy and mentality coach Dickert has brought during our conversations has been compelling," Andersen said. "He gave off the vibe of someone I want to play for and someone I want to win for. He's going to get the best out of everyone, no matter who is here. The future looks bright for Wake Forest."