Michael Sabb
Wakefield offensive lineman — senior

Just how good is Michael Sabb? Wakefield assistant coach Hunter Jenks — a former college lineman — doesn't mince words on the topic. "Mike is as good a high school offensive lineman as you are going to find," the coach said. Following the Wolverines' summer camp at Elon, the Phoenix coaching staff dittoed Jenk's assessment, calling the 6-foot-3 blocker one of the best they've seen. That's bad news for opponents looking to make a play opposite Sabb. With the Wolverines looking to make a run in the wide-open Cap-7 Conference this fall, it will be Sabb leading them to paydirt.

Sabb recently spoke with NorthRaleighSports.com about the Wolverines' upcoming season.

What is it like knowing this is your last year of high school football?
It still hasn't hit me yet. Just like my coaches used to say, 'You'll wake up tomorrow and it'a already your senior year.' It really is. It really felt like that. It just happens so fast.

What do you like about this team?
The unity. This year it's as strong as it's ever been since I came here as a freshman. It seems like it got stronger every year, too — the whole team.

What are you looking forward to the most this season?
One of the first things I think about is playing Wake Forest-Rolesville.
What about that game stands out? I want to win that one. The fact that I know a lot of guys over there. I have to see them all the time. At the Y, everywhere. And I hear about it.

Who's a guy that's stepped up this year on the offensive line?
Everyone has stepped up, so it's hard to pick just one person.
But I guess I have to go with my boy J'kwan [Fogg]. He has improved a lot. Right now, he is bouncing around at guard, tackle and center for us. And doing a good job everywhere.

What is the attitude of the offensive line?
What do you want to be know for? Getting off the ball hard.

What makes a good offensive lineman?
You have to know the plays — then you have to get off the ball fast. And you have to have a mean-streak attitude. You have to come off the ball every time expecting to make a pancake [block]. That's how I think of it when I get off the ball.

What non-conference game are you most excited about?
It's probably scrimmaging against Coach [Chip] Williams' [Scotland County] squad.
Editor's note: Williams coached Wakefield during the 2007 season, but left after just one season for Scotland County. The Wolverines travel to play the Fighting Scots Aug. 12 in a preseason tune-up.

What do you think of the new team on your schedule, Greensboro Dudley?
I think it will be a great experience to see where we're at.

What are you working to improve on this year?
Blocking linebackers. For the most part, I've got everything else down, but blocking linebackers can be hard.

Do you have a number of pancake blocks you are trying to make this year?
No limit.

Michael Sabb and the Wolverines look to pancake Green Hope Friday, Aug. 21.