If injuries that left last year's team looking like an emergency room patient can be avoided, this team may deliver the type of season that while short of bowl qualification, can lead to additional recruiting gains. With a late start (Sept. 11) that allows for another week of preparation and a midseason stretch that features five of six games at home, the ball could begin to bounce Wake Forest's way.

Last year Wake Forest could only average 65.4 yards per game on the ground. Those numbers need radical improvement. Last year's leading rusher Morgan Kane has been switched to fullback. He'll still get the ball, but the Demon Deacons are hoping either Chris McCoy or Kito Gary can inject some speed into the ground attack.

When they go upstairs, Jammie Deese, the second-leading receiver in the ACC last year (68 receptions) will be the primary target. Seven of the team's top eight receivers are back, with Marvin Chalmers and Ira Williams the most experienced. But who will deliver the ball? Senior Ben Sankey will be the starter, but the signing of nationally heralded C.J. Leak, who chose Wake Forest over Notre Dame and a host of higher-profile programs, is the future. And while the future may not be now, it's not far off. Expect Leak to do more than carry a clipboard. He'll likely be given a chance to take over the No. 1 spot on the roster by season's end.

The linebackers could be one of the ACC's elite. Dustin Lynam is back after a knee injury shortened his season to five games. Despite sitting out of six contests, he recorded 62 tackles, fourth-best on the team. He'll be paired inside with Kelvin Moses, who was granted an additional year of eligibility after knee surgery last August failed to get him back on the field to add to his 321 career tackles. Abdul Guice will bring speed to the position. In four games last year he reached double figures in tackles on the way to recording 71 stops, second best on the team.

The defensive line is anchored in the middle by Fred Roberts, a three-year starter. He'll benefit by the return of Da'Vaughn Mellerson, who suffered a torn ACL during last year's spring practice. Look for improvement from end Mat Petz, who established himself as a developing force in his sophomore season with six sacks. The secondary came up with 16 interceptions last year, the most for Wake Forest in the 1990s. It also allowed a nearly 60 percent completion rate. Not good. Free safety DaLawn Parrish is back after leading the team in tackles. His heavy hitting will be a complement to coverage specialist Reggie Austin, who had four interceptions from his cornerback spot last year.