Deacons Hold First Football Practice
Grobe, players pleased to return to practice field

Aug. 1, 2008

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - The 23rd-ranked Wake Forest football team completed its first day of preseason practice on Friday at the Doc Martin Football Practice Complex on the Wake Forest campus.

The Demon Deacon coaches greeted 103 players who were issued equipment in the morning and held offensive and defensive team meetings throughout the afternoon.

Among those happy to be back on the field is redshirt senior fullback Rich Belton who missed most of last season after suffering a torn ACL against Nebraska in the second game of the year.

"The knee feels great," said Belton. "I'm just glad to be back out here with my teammates. My role is to help out some of the younger guys and show them the ropes, help them get adjusted to being here."

Quarterback Riley Skinner was anxious to hit the field as well.

"This was the best offseason we've had," said Skinner. "The team worked really hard in the weight room. We're ready to get back at it."

Head coach Jim Grobe felt that the first day's practice was productive.

"It was a good day," said Grobe. "For us, it's a matter of getting back in shape mentally. Physically, Ethan Reeve, our strength coach, has the guys in pretty good shape. We're getting strong and we seem to be handling the heat without any problems. I'm pleased with our conditioning. I think the key for us is to get good mentally."

Punter-placekicker Sam Swank echoed the thoughts of his teammates on returning to the practice field.

"It's great to get back in the swing (of practice)," said Swank. "The coaches have put together a great game plan for us coming into the season and we're looking forward to it."

Two players were not able to participate in practice. Freshman tight end J.T. Dixon was in uniform but did not participate due to a back injury. Redshirt freshman cornerback Marcus Williams is wearing a cast on his left foot and ankle following off-season surgery. He is still several weeks away from taking the field.

About 150 or so fans watched the practice which Grobe cut short by a few minutes. Grobe is being honored Friday night by the Triad Carolinas Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Deacons will hold their annual Media Day event at BB&T Field on Saturday morning and then are scheduled to practice at 3:15 at the Doc Martin Complex. Wake Forest will also practice on Sunday at 3:30 on campus.