Wake Forest Football: Breaking Down the Demon Deacons Defense in 2011

After an abysmal 2010 college football season that ended with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons going 3-9, they now prepare to try to right the ship.

Here, I will go through the defense, position by position, and grade each unit. From the linemen to the defensive backs, each unit is equally important in assuring a successful 2011 campaign.

For the offense: click here.

Overall Defense: C

Not to restate with the defense what I said about the offense, but they can’t be worse in 2011 than they were in 2010.

They return nine out of 11 starters, and should take a step in the right direction.

Maybe just a baby step.

Defensive Line: C

In Wake’s 3-4 defense, returning nose guard Nikita Whitlock will need to be the plug down low that the Demon Deacons require.

Defensive end Kevin Smith returns as well, and new starter Zach Thompson will need to step up and fill in for the open defensive end spot.

Linebackers: C+

Wake’s got a solid and proven linebacker in Kyle Wilber—and then a bunch of second-tier players.

Tristan Dorty and Joey Ehrmann both return as starters and junior Scott Betros will fill the remaining vacancy.

This unit will be average, but by no means great.

Secondary: C-

To put it lightly, Wake has a major problem covering the pass.

Teams completed over 61 percent of passes on the Demon Deacons and amounted an average 238 yards per game.

Cyhl Quarles is the one bright spot, and he will need an incredible senior season.

Hopefully 2011 is an improvement.