San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
WOLFORD’S LONG JOURNEY
Rams starting QB today has faced hurdles, persevered
His football journey includes a record-breaking high school career in Florida and at Wake Forest. He played in one NFL preseason game for the New York Jets and, before it went bust, eight games in the Alliance of American Football.
Now Rams quarterback John Wolford is preparing for the biggest moment of his career.
Today at Sofi Stadium, with a playoff berth on the line, Wolford will start in the season finale against the Arizona Cardinals.
“It’s something you kind of dreamed about your entire life,” Wolford said.
Though probably not under these circumstances. When Jared Goff broke his right thumb during last week’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks, he played through the injury and finished the game.
But the $134-million quarterback had surgery on Monday, sidelining him for today’s game and putting the Rams’ playoff chances in Wolford’s inexperienced hands. Wolford, 25, has spent two seasons primarily running the scout team against the Rams’ first-team defense. “What better moment for someone to come in and prove who they are as a player,” receiver Robert Woods said.
Wolford said he would be prepared.
Coach Sean Mcvay does not appear worried.
“This isn’t too big for him,” Mcvay said. “There’s no doubt about it.”
Wolford did not have to wait long for an opportunity to play quarterback at Bishop Kenny High in Jacksonville, Fla.
As a 14-year old freshman, he won the starting job on the varsity.
“He was a very mature kid and had a lot of ability and lot of skills,” said Mark Thorson, his high school coach, “but just to walk in as a freshman and handle the huddle and all the things that are expected of you, I knew at that point he was pretty special.”
Wolford had committed to play at East Carolina when then-newly hired Wake Forest coach Dave Clawson and offensive coordinator Wayne Ruggiero visited his home after his senior season in 2013.
Tight end Cam Serigne was a redshirt freshman when he hosted the 6-foot-1 Wolford on a recruiting visit. The players were aware that Wolford had broken some of Tim Tebow’s records. “Everybody was like, ‘Golden Arm’s here,’ ” Serigne said. “Everyone was really excited about John.”
Wolford started as a freshman, when Wake Forest finished 3-9. The Demon Deacons posted the same record the next season before improving to 7-6.
Midway through his senior season, Wolford caught fire.
In a 42-32 victory over Louisville and Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson, he passed for 461 yards and five touchdowns, also running for a score.
The next week, he passed for 331 yards and accounted for three touchdowns in a loss to Notre Dame. He followed that by passing for three touchdowns and running for three in a victory over Syracuse.
He finished his career by passing for 400 yards and four touchdowns in a Belk Bowl victory over Texas A&M.
Thirteen quarterbacks were selected in the 2018 NFL Draft, but Wolford was not. Ruggiero said he told Ted Monago, the Rams’ assistant director of college scouting, that the Rams should sign Wolford as a free agent.
“I was like, ‘Why didn’t you guys take him? You’re crazy,’ ” Ruggiero said.
This week, Ruggiero received a text from Monago.
“I said, ‘Congratulations, it’s funny how things work out,’ ” Monago said. “‘He’s starting. You always believed in him.’ ”
As the Rams prepared for their regular-season finale, the strongest endorsement of Wolford came from coaches and starters on a Rams defense that ranks among the best in the NFL. They, more than anyone, have seen Wolford in action.
“That’s a rare thing when you can have full respect of your teammates without actually having performed in an NFL game,” defensive coordinator Brandon Staley said. “That should tell you about his character and about what he’s capable of.
“I think we’re all excited for him and his opportunity.”
Wolford will “do what he needs to do to help this team win,” defensive tackle Aaron Donald said. “I’m confident. The way he prepares, the way he gets himself ready.”
Wolford is not overwhelmed.
The dream that began when he first started playing football as a child is about to become reality.
“It’s been a fun journey for me,” he said, “getting to this point.”