By Thomas Jones, Sports Editor

Citing the school’s balance of academics and athletics, Westlake quarterback Tanner Price committed to Wake Forest University this week.

Price, an incoming senior, picked the Atlantic Coast Conference school after visits to campuses such as Rice and Stanford.

“What I really like about Wake Forest is that they have so much to offer,” he said. “They play – and win – in a big-time football conference, and it’s one of the best academic schools in the nation. I’m excited.”

The 6-foot-1-inch, 195-pound Price threw for 2,326 yards and 20 touchdowns with six interceptions in 2008 and helped Westlake reach the regional finals. Considered a pro-style dropback passer by collegiate recruiters, Price should fit in well with the balanced offensive scheme utilized by head coach Jim Grobe and his staff. Grobe has a 54-44 record and four bowl appearances in eight years at Wake Forest.

“I really liked the coaching staff, and I liked how stable they were,” Price said. “They’ve been there a while and have had success.”

Wake Forest went 8-5 a year ago and defeated Navy in the EagleBank Bowl.

Price said he will likely major in business or economics at Wake Forest.