Signing Day is a time of hope across college football, when fans can dissect a list of players who will carry their programs into the future.
Many fans have been following those players for a year or more already. Naturally, they’re ready to see the new signees get to action.
But the reality is that most of those players disappear for the next year. Certainly that’s been the case at Wake Forest, which really started to make it a priority to redshirt its freshmen more than 15 years ago under Jim Grobe’s watch.
Coach Dave Clawson’s hand has been forced by his efforts to rebuild the program, and he’s put a few more true freshmen on the field. Still, the preference is to give young players time to grow in the weight room and learn the playbook.
Freshmen who see the field must be talented, but the program also must have a need. Last season, Clawson played four freshmen: running back Cade Carney, punter Dom Maggio, safety Traveon Redd and cornerback Essang Bassey. All four were at positions where the Deacons had depth issues.
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