Wake Forest Football: Deacons look to maintain success in 2018

Offense

The Deacons will be replacing their signal caller this season as John Wolford has graduated and is trying to make it at the next level. Enter the next man up, Kendall Hinton. Before a knee injury ended his season in 2016, Hinton had been the starter over Wolford so he has some experience. He is a solid runner to go with his powerful arm, racking up over 700 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground in 17 games played. The team will be without Hinton for the first three games as he was suspended in June for a violation of team rules. Once he returns, Hinton will need to step up and lead the offense.

The good news for the Deacons is they have some solid weapons on an offense that finished 17th in the nation in total offense a year ago. Running back Matt Colburn is back after topping 900 yards and scoring seven touchdowns last season. He will be joined by power runner Cade Carney and together they will be a formidable 1-2 combination. Hinton will have plenty of options to target in the passing game. Greg Dortch was having a spectacular season a year ago until he punctured a small intestine. He’s healed now and ready to go in the slot. 6-foot-5 junior Scotty Washington is also back.

One of the best things going for Wake’s offense is the return of all five starting offensive linemen. They were a big reason for the huge improvement on offense last season and they look to pick up right where they left off. Expect Wake’s rushing attack to not miss a beat.