OFFENSE DEFENSE

The Wake Forest offense averaged 36 points a game in 2020, 41 the following season, and 36 again in 2022 to lead the ACC. Quarterback Sam Hartman has decided to play his ninth year of eligibility at Notre Dame, and he’ll be missed. However, just as Hartman was well prepared when Jamie Newman graduated, so now is Mitch Griffis. Wake Forest will be fine at quarterback. However, filling some gaps—pun intended—along the offensive front may prove challenging. Michael Jurgens is an awesome offensive lineman, most likely to line up at guard this season, but he needs help. Justice Ellison averaged 4.2 yards a carry for 707 yards last season, but both backups transferred leaving that room a little thin. The receiving corps will be spectacular once again. Four players return with more than 550 receiving yards last season.

The Wake Forest defense has been a twisted sort of blessing for the Wake offense in recent seasons. The defense yielded 406 yards a game last season, which meant the offense had to keep the foot on the gas for the entire 60 minutes and roll up big numbers. There are a few huge holes to fill on defense, but Jasheen Davis is prepared to take another leap forward this season after making 14 stops behind the line last year. Linebacker Chase Jones is poised to become the main man after the graduation of Ryan Smenda Jr. Jones had six tackles for loss last season. Safety Malik Mustapha made eight stops behind the line and, along with Chelen Garnes, controls the secondary. Caelen Carson is an excellent cover corner and allows the safeties to play the run more often. Carson broke up seven passes, but opponents don’t throw his way often.

Depth

Special Teams

2023 Schedule Newcomers

Bryce Ganious, DT — The transfer from Villanova will be asked to take on a large role for the Deacons this season. It will be critical that Ganious and linebacker Jacob Roberts adjust to FBS competition quickly.

Jacob Roberts, LB — The talent level Roberts faced at North Carolina A&T last season is quite different from the ACC. Roberts will have little room for error this season.

Walker Merrill, WR — The transfer from Tennessee had just eight catches for 116 yards, but scored three times in limited duty last season.