Wake Forest Skill Position Preview

NC State is set to take on Wake Forest at noon today in Winston-Salem.  Before they do, take a second to get to know what weapons the Demon Deacon offense has at their disposal.

Quarterback

Sophomore John Wolford- 6’1″/205 lbs (997 yds, 64%, 6TD/5INT, 97 rushing yd)

Freshman Kendall Hinton- 6’0″/185 lbs (705 yds, 54%, 2TD/4INT, 255 rushing yd, 4 TD)

Overview

The original plan was for true freshman Kendall Hinton to redshirt this year, but after an early injury to Wolford, he was forced into action.  Hinton certainly had his bright spots as a starter, but Wolford is back in the starting lineup for now. Wolford is a drop back passer and not very versatile. Hinton is an electric dual-threat kid, and is Wake’s leading rusher. NC State has struggled to contain mobile quarterbacks, so it certainly wouldn’t surprise me to see Hinton play a lot in this game.

Keys to Containment

This one is pretty simple. If Wolford is under center, State is going to need to dial up the pressure and make Wolford make quick decisions. He is interception prone, but needs to be forced into some mistakes. If Hinton is in the game, make him beat you with his arm. Edge rushers need to stay wide to keep him in the middle of the field and coverage needs to fly to the ball when he scrambles.

Running Backs

Freshman Tyler Bell- 5’11″/205 lbs (59 att, 176 yds, 85 Re yds)

Freshman Matt Colburn- 5’10″/195lbs (44 att, 173 yds, 1 TD)

Sophomore Isaiah Robinson- 5’10″/215 lbs (35 att, 113 yds, 38 re yards)

Overview

This is a very young group. Carries are pretty spread out with Bell getting the majority. None are utilized too much and there isn’t really a game-changer in the group at this stage. All three are smallish. State really should dominate against the run.

Keys To Containment

Be consistent on every play. The only way this group will hurt State is if they bust a big play, and the only way State gives up a big play to them is if they have a mental lapse. Keep it simple, fill lanes, tackle hard.

Receivers

Rs-Freshman WR Cortez Lewis-6’1″/200 lbs (34 rec, 380 yd, TD)

Rs-Sophomore TE Cam Serigne- 6’3″/245 lbs (34 rec, 369 yd, 3 TD)

Graduate Student  WR KJ Brent- 6’4″/190 lbs (27 rec, 368 yds, 1 TD)

Freshman WR Chuck Wade- 6’0″/200 lbs (19 rec, 233 yds, 1 TD)

Freshman WR Tabari Hines- 5’10″/165 lbs (17 rec, 172 yds, 2 TD)

Overview

Another really young group for Wake Forest. No one really pops. KJ Brent has decent size, and there is some speed in the group. Cam Serigne is targeted heavily in the redzone and leads the team in touchdown receptions. Both of Hines’ touchdowns came from Kendall Hinton and they appear to have better chemistry than he and Wolford do. Due to how Wake will spread the ball around, there isn’t one particular person for the D to focus on.

Keys to Containment

The pack secondary is going to have a real team effort here. The ball could go to a number of guys on any given play. Matchup wise, nothing is really scary about this offense. An average day against these guys should yield good results.