June 10, 2008

Wake Forest has been ranked 24th in the nation according to the preseason poll from Athlon Sports.

Athlon's preseason college football magazine is currently on newsstands.

The Demon Deacons are coming off a 9-4 season in 2007 that included a 24-10 win over Connecticut in the Meineke Car Care Bowl. Wake Forest returns 44 lettermen including nine starters on a defense that ranked 27th nationally in total defense.

According to Athlon's preview of the 2008 season, Wake Forest "is enjoying the most successful period of its football history, and all the credit goes to its coach. Jim Grobe has instilled a disciplined, blue-collar approach to the game into his program and it has resulted in 20 wins over the last two years."

In addition, Athlon has selected Wake Forest cornerback Alphonso Smith to its preseason All-America team. The rising senior tied for the national lead with eight interceptions last year, returning three for touchdowns.

Athlon's Preseason Top 25 1. Florida 2. Ohio State 3. Oklahoma 4. USC 5. Georgia 6. Missouri 7. West Virginia 8. Auburn 9. LSU 10. Clemson 11. Texas 12. Wisconsin 13. Kansas 14. BYU 15. Arizona State 16. Illinois 17. Tennessee 18. Texas Tech 19. Oregon 20. South Florida 21. Virginia Tech 22. Rutgers 23. Penn State 24. Wake Forest 25. Fresno State