University sports
The Bill O'Brien era has begun at Boston College.
The Eagles, hoping for his or her first eight-win season since 2009, open at No. 10 Florida State on Monday, Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m.
“I think we're on the right track,” O'Brien said. “I'm excited to see how it all unfolds.”
Here is an outline of the lineup position by position:
quarterback
When evaluating his performance last 12 months, Thomas Castellanos surprisingly gave the poor grade C-3.
Castellanos had the third-most passing yards in BC history (3,360), only Matt Ryan and Doug Flutie were higher, and he was an actual electrifying player within the Fenway Bowl victory over SMU. However, his inconsistency as a passer left him wanting more, as he threw 14 interceptions and accomplished just 57.3 percent of his throws.
“I just try to do my best,” said the junior.
This summer, Castellanos often arrived as early as 5:30 a.m. to begin the day with quarterback coach Jonathan DiBiaso. The next step is to balance creativity with discipline, and Castellanos seems able to take that step.
“He knows what he has to do,” DiBiaso said. “He's committed to it.”
O'Brien, who has trained very successful quarterbacks previously, called Castellanos considered one of the team's most improved players.
Junior Grayson James, a transfer from Florida International, has emerged as a promising backup, while redshirt freshman Jacobe Robinson appears to have the most effective shot on the third-string job.
Wide receiver
BC might be the strongest and most talented on this position.
It starts with Lewis Bond, who has developed an undeniable rapport with Castellanos. The redshirt junior will look to construct on his sophomore 12 months wherein he posted 52 catches for 646 yards and seven touchdowns.
Perhaps probably the most interesting player of all is 6'5″ Texas Tech transfer Jerand Bradley, who may be scratching the surface. Bradley showed off his skills with the Red Raiders and will prove to be a reliable red zone threat for the Eagles.
“It’s surprising to see a big guy perform so well,” Bond said of Bradley.
Dynamic Catholic Memorial product Jaedn Skeete, speedy Vanderbilt transfer Jayden McGowan, reliable workhorse Dino Tomlin and rising redshirt freshman Reed Harris round out the group.
“I feel like if we do our thing, we're untouchable,” Bradley said.
Run back
Similar to the receiver room, the weapons at running back complement one another well.
Kye Robichaux emerged as a star last 12 months, totaling 163 carries for 791 yards (4.8 per carry) and eight touchdowns. Robichaux's downhill power makes him difficult to catch, and the following step is to provide him more versatility, agility and mobility.
“That's what he's accomplished with his game,” running backs coach Savon Huggins said. “Spatial awareness and really thinking about these things.”
Treshaun Ward, who played 4 years at Florida State and one 12 months at Kansas State, is a speedy running back who also excels as a pass catcher. Huggins said Ward has done an “incredible job” in a leadership role and provided an additional dose of intensity.
The stocky bulldozer Alex Broome, the graceful Jordan McDonald and the promising newcomer Turbo Richard are also in the combo.
Tight end
The Eagles may gain advantage from stronger performance from their tight ends this season.
Kamari Morales, who spent five years at North Carolina, is vying for the highest spot with junior Jeremiah Franklin. Both are excellent blockers and reliable pass catchers who should complement Castellanos well.
Matt Ragan, a Westborough native and Lawrence Academy graduate, has been making waves in camp and now has the possibility to prove himself.
Offensive line
After a hugely disappointing 2022 season, the offensive line rebounded significantly last 12 months. BC relied heavily on its running game during a five-game winning streak and finished the 12 months second within the Atlantic Coast Conference in rushing yards per game (199.5).
“It took us to a whole new level,” said redshirt junior center Drew Kendall (Norwell/Nobles). “There was just a constant, constant motivation to improve. The bar was low, and that just left a really bad taste in our mouths.”
The Eagles will miss hard-hitting guard Christian Mahogany – a sixth-round pick of the Detroit Lions – but they get back Kendall, redshirt senior right tackle Ozzy Trapilo (Norwell/BC High) and redshirt junior left tackle Logan Taylor. Jude Bowry, Jack Conley, Dwayne Allick and Kevin Cline are a number of others with experience.
“You fill the void by making the guys better, making the guys step up and doing their job,” said offensive line coach Matt Applebaum. “There's no magic formula for that.”
Defensive line
The line of defense could prove to be a serious X-factor for the Eagles. BC allowed 30 rushing touchdowns last 12 months, probably the most within the ACC, and infrequently lost games attributable to its inability to dam opposing backs.
“As a unit, I think we were just average last year,” senior defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku said. “We're definitely working on being a lot better than average.”
There is reason for optimism that this unit could get significantly higher. In addition to Ezeiruaku, senior defensive end Neto Okpala, graduate nose tackle Cam Horsley and redshirt junior defensive tackle George Rooks are catalysts.
“You better be able to stop the run,” line of defense coach Jeff Comissiong said. “If you can't defend the run, it's going to be a long afternoon.”
Linebackers
BC must adjust to life without vocal leader Vinny DePalma, who now works as a defensive assistant for the Patriots.
Graduate Kam Arnold, who was named defensive MVP on the Fenway Bowl and finished the season with 66 tackles, will tackle a good greater leadership role. Redshirt junior Bryce Steele is back after battling cancer and fighting for enjoying time.
Jaylen Blackwell, Owen McGowan and Daveon Crouch are a number of more within the equation. The linebackers, just like the line of defense, could possibly be a vital consider the success of this team.
Secondary
The Eagles have a powerful and talented secondary, led by cornerbacks Amari Jackson, Max Tucker, Jalen Cheek and Bryquice Brown in addition to safeties Cameron Martinez, Cole Batson, Victor Nelson and KP Price.
BC allowed the fourth-fewest passing yards per game within the ACC last 12 months (196.9). The Eagles can be missing fourth-round pick Elijah Jones, but they’ve loads of returning players trying to fill the void.
“You can see that the guys are starting to really believe in the system and in themselves, and you're starting to see them play better and better,” said secondary coach Ray Brown.
Special teams
Bond, McGowan and Harris could return kicks. Sam Candotti and Ivan Zivenko will punt. Leominster's Liam Connor and Luca Lombardo will compete for the starting kicker spot.
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