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2020 Record: 4-5
All-time series: 6-4 Syracuse
Last Meeting: 10/31/2020, 38-14 Wake Forest
What to Know About the Demon Deacons:
Dave Clawson has done something that no Wake Forest coach has before him, make five straight bowl games. There‚Äôs no doubt he‚Äôs the reason this program is trending in the right direction, but do they have what it takes to take it to the next level? Maybe, but probably not this year. Sam Hartman was surgical through the Deacs’ first 7 games last season, 8 TDs without a single interception including a game in which he picked the UNC defense apart for 429 yards and 4 TDs. Though in the final two games of the year, Hartman seemingly lost it. The young hurler threw 5 interceptions in the last two games of the season, unable to break 55% in that time. If he can come out in 2021 stronger and more consistent throughout the season, WF‚Äôs goals may be in sight. Though the defense proves problematic as well. Having lost Boogie Basham to the NFL, Clawson will look to develop the younger guys within the front 7, a project that might take some time. The Demon Deacons are almost there, but this year likely won‚Äôt be the one in which they challenge for the ACC championship trophy.
Head Coach – Dave Clawson, 8th year, 40-45 at Wake Forest:
On where Wake Football is headed: “I think we’ve made a lot of progress. We are surely proud of the fact that we’ve been to five straight bowls for the first time in the history of the program, but we want more. There’s a whole nother level that we want to get to.” I think it’s good that I think our program is one that expects to be in a bowl. Taking that next step is difficult but we think we have a group this year that’s capable of doing that.”
On the diminishing meaning of bowl games: “I think they’re [bowl games] already starting to lose part of what they used to mean. I used to come down here [ACC Kickoff] and every year and every team’s goal was to get to the Orange Bowl. Then last year, our ACC representative at the Orange Bowl had four of their best 5 players not play in it.”
Sam Hartman – Redshirt Sophomore, Quarterback
2020: 13 TDs, 2224 yds, 58.2%
On the vision of Dave Clawson: “It’s a culture, it’s a legacy that guys have been around for before me….I believed in that program based on meeting the guys and meeting coach. It’s been an incredible ride playing at the high level, but there’s a job that’s not finished, I’m looking forward to completing those goals I set when I was a freshman.”
On being the solidified starter this offseason: “It’s definitely different than being in a battle, but we compete every day. Mitch and Kern [WF Backup QBs] do a great job, they’re great quarterbacks, they push me and I push them. It’s a competitive atmosphere….our whole team as a unit competes”
Luke Masterson – Redshirt Senior, Linebacker:
2020: 25 Tot Tackles, 2.0 TFL
On finally being named a linebacker: “I think I’ve been blessed to play three different positions at Wake. Obviously, it’s been hard to go back and forth, but there are blessings in that as well because I know what’s going on behind me and what’s going on in front of me. The transition hasn’t been as bad because I’m been used to being in the box and I’ve been behind the box in the secondary. I’ve been on board with this decision from the get-go and I’m really excited about his year.”
On how he succeeds in both academics and athletics: “It’s all about time management. As student-athletes at Wake Forest especially, the University does a great job in helping us get ready for life after football and help us manage our time while we are playing football. At a school like Wake Forest, school is very important, and it’s hard. Finding that balance between football and school is tough but as a freshman, they do everything they can to offer the resources necessary so you can excel off the field, so you don’t have to think about it on the field.”
Jaquarii Roberson – Redshirt Junior, Wide Receiver:
2020: 62 recs, 926 yds, 8 TDs
On what he’s looking to build on: “The main thing is getting the guys in the room going….it’s not moreso about me, I’m going to do what I have to do….I have to be that type of leader to get those younger guys going.”
