Wake Forest Demon Deacons Prepare to Shock the ACC: A 2024 Season Preview
Winston-Salem, NC - As the 2024 season kicks off, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons football team, led by head coach Dave Clawson, is ready to continue its tradition of high-powered offense and strong competitiveness in the ACC. Entering his 11th season, Clawson has built a program known for its explosive “slow mesh” offense. Although the Deacons face the challenge of replacing key players, they remain confident with a talented roster featuring emerging playmakers and a defense looking to make strides. With a demanding schedule ahead, Wake Forest is determined to maintain its status as a consistent bowl contender. Wake Forest finished with the worst record in the conference last season, 1-7, but is a threat for bowl eligibility thanks to winnable non-conference matchups. Fans in Winston-Salem are eager to see if this team can exceed expectations and deliver an exciting season
Offensive Preview:
This Wake Forest offense will go as far as their offensive line will take them. With the Demon Deacons coming off a season where they scored less than 20 points in half of their games, they will need to vastly improve. Hank Bachmeier will be the guy who is able to help with the passing game as long as he gets time to find the open guy. They also brought in some talented receivers in their freshman class to help out.
Defensive Preview:
Wake Forest does look like they will have an above-average defense. They have their leading tackler returning who will anchor down the defense. They have the talent and experience to get enough pressure on the quarterback to force some turnovers. Their secondary is a bit on the younger side so that is the only downfall on this defense. This squad definitely has the potential to finish up on top of the middle tier of ACC defenses.
Top Returning Players:
Taylor Morin WR - Morin is the ultimate safety valve. He has great hands and his added ability in the return game adds even more value to the team. He was the second-leading receiver last season but could push to be the #1 option this time around.
Dylan Hazen LB - He was the leading tackler a season ago for the Demon Deacons. He will anchor the defense this season after getting a full season as a starter under his belt. In the final three games of the season, he recorded 35 tackles. He’s a machine, to say the least.
Evan Slocum DB - He will be of utmost importance in an inexperienced secondary. The senior corner will likely replace Malik Mustapha as the safety who drops into the box and provides a more athletic frame to bother the opposing offense. In other words, he’s going to play a hybrid linebacker role.
Demond Claiborne RB - Claiborne will be the featured running back in this “slow-mesh” offense. The junior will be heavily relied on to make plays with his former teammate, Justice Ellison, leaving for Indiana. He only has four career receptions so I expect a huge increase in targets and catches this season.
Top Incoming Transfers:
Hank Bachmeier QB - The redshirt junior is headed to Wake from LA Tech and Boise State before that. Against FIU last season, he recorded the most completions by an LA Tech player since 2019 with 34 completions. He has a strong arm and will become the starting quarterback this season.
Branson Combs LB - The former wide receiver switched to the linebacker position and hasn’t looked back. He finished with a career-high 85 total tackles a season ago. Transferring from Southern Illinois, he will face much better competition but has the athleticism and IQ to keep up.
Top Incoming Freshman:
Jeremy Hecklinski QB - Hecklinski was a 2023 MaxPreps National Player of the Year Finalist and a 2024 All-American Bowl Offensive Player of the Year Finalist. There's no doubt that he is talented, but I don’t see him starting right away. He will be their future quarterback for years to come.
Darius Jones LB - He is rated as the #28 linebacker in the country, according to Rivals. He is a big-time player and will provide added value to the linebacker core for Wake.
Top Departures:
Mitch Griffis QB - Griffis has transferred to Marshall after throwing for 1,553 yards in nine games last year. He was their leader last season but has decided to move on to play for the Thundering Herd.
Justice Ellison RB - The junior running back has transferred to Indiana. He was the second-leading rusher a season ago but decided that this wasn’t the place for him. He served as the team’s receiving/shiftier back while Claiborne was the power back.
Under-the-Radar Players:
Matthew Denis K - With an offense that has the potential to struggle again, Dennis will be needed to make field goals from outside 40+ yards. He has a strong leg and could be in for a huge season.
Win Total Prediction:
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons 2024 win total is listed as 4.5. This is an interesting number as Vegas has predicted them to go another season without getting into a bowl game. The out-of-conference schedule definitely has winnable games. It’s the in-conference schedule that will be very difficult. Playing at a very good NC State squad and at home against the ever-dangerous Clemson Tigers in back-to-back games isn’t for the weak. I can see Wake winning up to six games this season. Therefore, I am going to take the over on the win total with them getting an upgrade at the quarterback position and knowing that Coach Clawson will have his guys ready to compete. Winning the out-of-conference games against NC A&T, Louisiana, and Connecticut is going to be crucial. They would then need to win two ACC matchups against Cal, at Stanford, at UNC, or at home against Duke. I see the Demon Deacons getting two or more wins against those four teams. This squad is my shot in the dark to make a bowl game and surprise a lot of people.
