Wake Forest just made a HUGE addition to their defensive line! Last night, they secured a commitment from Shakai Woods, a defensive tackle from Middle Tennessee State. This is a significant move for the Demon Deacons, adding some serious muscle to their roster. Let's dive into what makes this commitment so exciting.
Woods, who played for the Blue Raiders, has been a key player for the past two years, after redshirting in 2023. In 2024, he racked up 42 total tackles, 20 solo tackles, and a sack. He followed that up with an even stronger performance in the 2025 season, recording 50 tackles (21 solo), 2.5 sacks, and a pass batted down.
He's also been incredibly consistent, playing in every single game over the last two seasons and logging over 1,100 snaps. According to PFF, Woods earned run defense grades of 74 and 77.4 in 2025 and 2024, respectively. This demonstrates his ability to consistently stop the run, a crucial skill for any defensive tackle.
But here's where it gets interesting... Woods will bring two years of eligibility to Wake Forest. This is especially important because the team is set to lose key players like Dallas Afalava and Zach Lohavichan after the upcoming season. They've already lost Jayden Loving due to graduation, and other players like Mateen Ibirogba and Ka'Shawn Thomas have entered the transfer portal. This means Woods fills a critical need, providing experience and stability on the defensive line.
And this is the part most people miss... Even with this exciting addition, Wake Forest isn't ruling out adding another defensive tackle through the transfer portal if the coaching staff finds a player they can't pass up. This shows a commitment to continuously improving the team.
What do you think of this commitment? Do you believe Woods will make a significant impact on the Demon Deacons' defense? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
