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Former Terp Zach Dancel commits to Wake Forest

By Chris Bengel

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One of Maryland’s offseason transfers has found a home.

Former Terrapins safety Zach Dancel has committed to Wake Forest, according to Deacons Illustrated.

Dancel is a graduate transfer, so he will be eligible immediately for the Demon Deacons. The Good Counsel product graduated last month from Maryland.

During the 2014 season, Dancel recorded 15 tackles (10 solo) and broke up two passes in primarily special teams duty for the Terps. His best game came against Michigan State when he registered four tackles.

His best collegiate season came during the 2011 season as a freshman at New Mexico. Dancel had 32 tackles (17 solo), an interception, and a pass breakup. When offensive coordinator Mike Locksley made the move to College Park, Dancel transferred to Maryland and played for the Terps for the past two seasons.

Dancel’s departure wasn’t a huge surprise as he likely would have more of a chance for regular playing time elsewhere. With A.J. Hendy and Anthony Nixon being the likely duo at the safety spots, Dancel may have played sparingly, similar to the 2014 season.

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This appears to be a depth move for Wake Forest as they already have four capable safeties already on the roster. Dancel will likely play special teams at the very least and could provide leadership to some of the Demon Deacons younger players.

While Dancel’s decision didn’t necessarily affect Maryland’s future, the Terps secondary definitely is going to need some improvement on the recruiting trail. Cornerback Will Likely (junior) and Nixon (senior) will gone soon enough and there isn’t much depth in the secondary. D’Andre Payne was supposed to provide some stability, but now Payne will be playing at the JuCo level next year. It’s unclear if Payne could revisit a return to Maryland after the 2015 season.

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