March 20, 2004

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Halfway through spring football camp, the Demon Deacons held a scrimmage on Saturday morning at Groves Stadium. It was the first time this spring the team made the trek over to the stadium. After working in position groups, for the first hour, the Deacs then held a full contact, live scrimmage for the second hour of the session.

"We have a lot of energy," head coach Jim Grobe said following the scrimmage. "We're still a real young team - about half of our guys are still 18, 19-years-old. So we're making mistakes and we're not very consistent. But I like the attitude we're seeing out there."

Wake's returning starter at quarterback, rising junior Cory Randolph, smoothly guided the first-team offense down the field on the opening series against the No. 1 defense, finding his usual targets in receivers Jason Anderson, Willie Idlette and running back Chris Barclay. The drive started to stall inside the 20, but a personal foul penalty against the defense (late hit out-of-bounds) helped set up a short scoring play for fullback Damon McWhite. Placekicker Matt Wisnosky's extra-point attempt hit the upright, but bounced inside to make it good.

Wake Forest's second-team defense seemed to fare a little better against a young No. 2 offense. Cornerback Johnny Edwards had a key pass breakup and there were a couple of tackles for loss.

Mistakes also cost the second-team offensive unit, as quarterback Ben Mauk connected with fellow redshirt freshman tight end Zac Selmon on a long pass, but the play was negated due to a holding penalty.

The defense also forced a couple of turnovers against both the No. 2 and 3 offenses, as linebacker Caron Bracy recovered a fumble. On another play, corner Aaron Mason stripped the ball from running back Micah Andrews while Riley Swanson fell on it for the recovery.

Grobe explained that these spring sessions are about giving the younger players an opportunity for some playing time.

"We redshirted 20 players last season, so now we're trying to structure these practices towards these players and their development," he said. "We're giving the 'old' guys, like Chris Barclay and Jason Anderson, some plays but we also want these younger guys to get out there and get some good reps."

Grobe wasn't ready to single out any standouts during the first two weeks of spring camp, but he is pleased with the overall effort shown by the underclassmen.

"No one is shining right now, but I like their progress," he said. "They're learning their assignments; they're taking the lessons to heart; and they're an aggressive group."

The Demon Deacons are scheduled to return to practice on Tuesday, March 22, back at the campus practice field. Practice dates and times are subject to change, so please call Media Relations office (336-758-5640) or Football office (336-758-5633) for updates.

Spring practice will culminate two weeks from today with a final scrimmage, again held at Groves Stadium. Kickoff for that scrimmage is set for 12 noon.