Demon Deacons get TE as Wake's recruiting hits high gear

Wake Forest has picked up the commitment of Neil Basford, a heavily-recruited tight end from Bishop Kenny High in Jacksonville, Fla.

Basford, who is 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, also had offers from South Carolina, Florida State, Miami, Virginia Tech, Illinois and Arkansas.

Basford has 4.7-second speed in the 40-yard dash, excellent for his size. With his large frame, he could also had 20-30 pounds in college.

As a junior, he caught 16 passes for more than 221 yards and four touchdowns.

He grew up a Florida fan, but the Gators, who had already landed the top two TE prospects in the state, never offered. That turned out to be Wake Forest’s gain.

Basford is the Deacons’ 15th commitment.

--Stan Olson