The early makeup of Wake Forest football's class of 2025 is rooted in the Sunshine State and Peach State, and its latest addition continues to the trend.
On Wednesday afternoon, Suwanee (Ga.) North Gwinnett defensive end Cole Funderburk went public with his pledge to Dave Clawson's program fresh off of another trip to Winston Salen. The Demon Deacons won out for the productive player over double-digit options.
"They’ve been on me since my freshman year," he told Rivals. "They have kept everything so consistent and straight up to me. The relationship I have with the staff there is second to none, they’ve all showed so much love for years now and it’s shown.
"Coach (Will) Smart and Coach (Dave) Cohen are my guys there. There is so much trust because everything they say makes sense, and it’s beneficial to me. That’s why I trust them, even if it’s not what I want to hear, they always have the best words."
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Funderburk becomes the fourth early pledge for Clawson and company and the third on defense thus far. He has had a strong run at NGHS as a pass rusher, collecting more than 30 sacks since the beginning of 2022.
Named All-State by multiple outlets, the junior continues to add scholarship offers during the contact period. But the relationships and trips to Wake Forest have long created comfort.
"Winston Salem is just like my town but a little smaller," he said. "Really cool people, very nice areas and a great school, just a lot smaller which I can appreciate."
On the field, the newest Demon Deacon won't pivot much from what he has shown on Friday nights once het gets into the ACC.
"They want me to play there as a 5 tech field end," Funcerburk said. "I feel as I can go in there and play early and just grind. The way the coaches coach is how I like, just tough coaches and strong.
"Fans should know there gonna get the best three to five years out of me. And I will make an impact and be the hardest worker they’ve had come through."
