Brandon Chubb catches himself daydreaming on occasion, even during class, about the possibility of taking the field on Saturdays as a linebacker for Wake Forest.

“I’m having a good time at camp, and am excited about (competing),” Chubb said. “I had to redshirt last year and I will be competing to start at middle linebacker. And (I) am looking to get some game-time experience.”

The former Hillgrove High School standout redshirted last season and spent the last year learning the new 3-4 defense under first-year defensive coordinator Brian Knorr. He also had to adjust to a new position at inside linebacker after he played outside linebacker/defensive end for the Hawks.

Since Knorr also serves as his linebackers’ coach, adapting to the new changes were easier to handle.

Chubb, who stands at 6-foot-1, 235 pounds, said redshirting his first season helped him to become better versed at handling game situations, despite not having appeared in a college game yet.

He’s also been busy in the weight room, adding 11 pounds of muscle since his days at Hillgrove.

On top of bulking up to become better equipped to the size of players in college, Chubb also added speed work into his offseason workout routine. He said receivers can run a 4.4 in the 40-meter dash, and tussling with 300-plus pound offensive linemen hadn’t been easy.

“I have to compensate with my speed to get around them,” Chubb said, “or else they’ll just swallow me up.”

Junior nose guard Nakita Whitlock, who made the Preseason All-ACC team after finishing with a team best 14 tackles for loss in 2011, has taken him under his wing since arriving on campus.

Earning a starting spot at Wake Forest will be difficult this season for Chubb, as the Demon Deacons will be deep at linebacker. Chubb is expected to fall in behind redshirt seniors Scott Betros and Riley Haynes on the depth chart. Juniors Mike Olson and Justin Jackson, both of whom received ample playing time for the Demon Deacons last season, will also be ahead of him.

Betros, Olson and Haynes combined to make 227 tackles last season, and Betros is expected to be at full strength after missing spring camp with an injury. Knowing he will likely play contribute as a reserve player, Chubb is still hungry to become a first-stringer.

“My strength is my passion and purpose,” Chubb said. “I have to have a chip on my shoulder.”

The son of a former NFL player — Aaron Chubb was drafted in the 12th round by the New England Patriots in 1989 — the younger Chubb also had a chip on his shoulder when it came to being recruited.

Brandon originally committed to Appalachian State before changing his decision to Wake Forest for a chance to play in the ACC. He also turned down offers to play at Central Florida, UAB and Air Force.

Chubb’s 93 tackles, nine sacks and nine tackles for loss his senior year at Hillgrove in 2010 helped him attract college attention. He also helped guide the Hawks to the Class AAAAA state quarterfinals, beating defending state champion Camden County along the way, before losing to eventual state champion Brookwood.