From Scales to Tate: A Wake Connection
Lamont Scales was a pretty good defensive back while playing for Bill Dooley at Wake from 1989 through 1992, good enough to start for four seasons at free safety and have 15 games with at least 10 tackles. He had 19 tackles as a freshman against Maryland, and 16 against Clemson as a senior.
The player he helped get to Wake Forest, cornerback Dominique Tate, has a chance to be as good—and maybe even better.
Coach Jim Grobe’s eyes light up when he talks about Tate, who has accomplished the rare feat of breaking into the substitution rotation as a first-year freshman. Tate picked off his second interception last Saturday against Miami.
“I like that guy. He’s a player. He’s a football player,’’ Grobe gushed. “There’s not anything about him right now that we don’t like.
“I was a little concerned early – like with most freshman – about his practice habits. Because they don’t really know if they’re going to play or not and a rep here or a rep there may be taken off. But gosh I like all the stuff he’s doing right now. He’s really tuned in. He’s being a student of the game and he’s making plays. He’s a very talented kid. It’s nice to have a local guy be that talented and do that well.’‘
Scales was the defensive coordinator at Carver High School, where Tate played. Although Scales has moved on become defensive coordinator at High Point Andrews, he still stays in regular touch with Tate.
“I have a pretty good coach in Coach Lamont Scales,’’ Tate said. “He coached me at Carver High School. He talks to me almost every day, sends me text messages or is calling me and makes sure I am doing right in the class room and on the field.’‘
Scales was almost as instrumental in preparing Tate to attend and play football at Wake Forest as Katrice Kelly, Tate’s mother. Tate, who chose Wake Forest over Duke, is a strong student who is considering either mathematics or computer science as a major.
“My mom doesn’t really tolerate bad grades,’’ Tate explained.