The looming aspect of the coaching search was always the Early Signing Day. This was always going to be a smallish recruiting class (mid teens) but Addazio filled the class with good quality. It was important to hold it together. But like all transition classes, there were a few hiccups. One player, Jah Joyner decommited and signed with Minnesota. Two others OL prospects -- Addison Penn from Texas and Dwayne Allick from Maryland -- are both waiting until Jeff Hafley completes his staff to commit.
As of now there are ten guys signed (nine official with OL prospect Kevin Pyne not counting but he is enrolling in January). Considering it is such a small class, there is no one position of focus nor a major geographical trend. It is just a little bit of everything that should add some depth. The best player and best story is Ozzy Trapilo. Like his father, he was a star at BC High and hopes to be a star at BC.
I am not worried about the small size of this class (nor the potential of guys transferring out of the program). Jeff Hafley is about to get an enormous amount of national publicity. That should help with any kid still looking for a shot and it will help as a sales pitch to players looking to transfer.
Showing posts with label Addazio recruiting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Addazio recruiting. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Sunday, March 03, 2019
Some good recruiting news
Since I have a feeling we will be discussing basketball a lot of the next three weeks, I wanted to ignore the Georgia Tech loss (for now) and focus on the good news -- Addazio's recruiting. He just picked up a verbal from New Jersey LB Korey Smith. Rivals ranks Smith as a 4 star. 247 has him as a 3 star. He has offers from UNC, Pitt, Purdue, Rutgers, Syracuse and Vanderbilt. He was injured for much of his last football season, which had some of the bigger schools holding off. If he is healthy this fall, I expect even more big names will swoop in.
As for now Smith seems like another very solid piece. He said on the right things about academics and keeps up our presence in New Jersey. Welcome aboard and congrats to the staff for pulling in another recruit with plenty of good options.
As for now Smith seems like another very solid piece. He said on the right things about academics and keeps up our presence in New Jersey. Welcome aboard and congrats to the staff for pulling in another recruit with plenty of good options.
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Addazio lands Mass star OLineman
The consensus best player in the state and one of the best lineman in the country committed to Addazio Tuesday. Kevin Pyne is huge and rated highly by everyone. Given BC and Addazio's track record, he should develop into an elite OLineman. But aside from what he can do on the field, Pyne confirms that Addazio's pitch still works and that the potential lame duck status is not hurting recruiting.
Now that Addazio's passed that test, the next hurdle will be how he recruits New Jersey. With Campanile laying the ground work, Addazio picked up lots of New Jersey talent. Let's hope he can do it without his recruiting ace teeing things up.
Now that Addazio's passed that test, the next hurdle will be how he recruits New Jersey. With Campanile laying the ground work, Addazio picked up lots of New Jersey talent. Let's hope he can do it without his recruiting ace teeing things up.
Thursday, February 07, 2019
Two looks at BC talent
Tuesday the final official signing day happened but it wasn't big news for BC. They added one New Jersey lineman. That left BC as the 12th ACC team in Rivals and in 247. But that system has proven meaningless as BC is always 12th or 13th or 14th in the ACC and still finish 7-6. We are not blowing doors off. But the higher ranked ACC recruiting classes aren't either (hello Miami, Florida State and Virginia Tech). Did those teams feel that much more talented than BC? Do they ever? Other than Clemson, there is rarely an ACC team we face where I feel like they have an overwhelming talent advantage.
If you are looking for validation that BC has a better feel for their talent needs and development, how about looking at the Combine invites.
This also doesn't account for other guys who have a good chance of getting drafted even without the Combine (Jeff Smith). BC is finding and developing talent. I do believe that talent wins. I do believe in bigger stronger faster. But these recruiting systems are flawed and not a perfect predictor of anything. I don't trust Addazio with a clock, but I do trust him looking at high school kids and projecting what they can become.
Addazio is also good at managing the roster and is working 5th years right now too. BC's roster will be better than most in the ACC, not the 12th or 14th best.
However, there in lies the problem. BC has all these Combine level players, yet can't win at an elite level. That's on Addazio too. He's a great recruiter and a pretty good developer, but he's not a great coach. At seven years, I don't think that is going to change either.
If you are looking for validation that BC has a better feel for their talent needs and development, how about looking at the Combine invites.
Schools representing the most players invited to the 2019 NFL Combine:— NFL Draft (@NFLDraft) February 7, 2019
(11) Alabama, Clemson
(10) Ohio State
(9) Georgia, Ole Miss, Washington
(8) Florida, Kentucky, Miss St., Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Wisconsin
(7) Boston College, Penn St., Stanford
2019 NFL Combine invites per school:— Jared Tokarz (@NFLDraftInsider) February 7, 2019
Clemson 11
Alabama 11
Ohio State 10
UGA 9
Ole Miss 9
Wash 8
Florida 8
Kentucky 8 👀
Oklahoma 8
Miss State 8
ND 8
TAMU 8
Wisc 8
Boston College 7 👀
Penn State 7
This also doesn't account for other guys who have a good chance of getting drafted even without the Combine (Jeff Smith). BC is finding and developing talent. I do believe that talent wins. I do believe in bigger stronger faster. But these recruiting systems are flawed and not a perfect predictor of anything. I don't trust Addazio with a clock, but I do trust him looking at high school kids and projecting what they can become.
Addazio is also good at managing the roster and is working 5th years right now too. BC's roster will be better than most in the ACC, not the 12th or 14th best.
However, there in lies the problem. BC has all these Combine level players, yet can't win at an elite level. That's on Addazio too. He's a great recruiter and a pretty good developer, but he's not a great coach. At seven years, I don't think that is going to change either.
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Signing Day thoughts
It is all hype and all projection, but even with the rollercoasters of the past week, it is clear this is Addazio's best BC recruiting class. Nearly every player had multiple P5 offers other than BC. We hit the traditional recruiting grounds and we restocked positions of need.
One thing that I found interesting is that Addazio believes the early signing period helps BC and keeps other schools from poaching more of his recruits.
By the unofficial count, it looks like BC is down to 82 scholarships. Maybe there will be some additional signings -- although there is not much else out there -- or some transfers into the program.
Freshman QB John Langan is leaving BC for Rutgers. The logjam at QB was going to have some repercussions, so his move makes sense. Best of luck to him.
Here is Addazio's press conference.
Monday, December 17, 2018
Two thoughts on the shifting recruiting class
The Early Signing Day is Wednesday. As it approaches, BC's well-regarded class continues to lose members. Florida OLine prospect Maurice Smith flipped to Florida State. Michigan LB prospect Marvin Ham has decided to go to Colorado. Predictably this has created frustration among BC fans that follow this stuff. Here are two statements related to this griping, followed by my explanation.
1. I don't really worry about decommits. They happen everywhere. Conversely, we always tend to flip a player to us. No one that has decommited from Addazio so far has proven to be a difference maker elsewhere. (Kwity Paye is the highest profile and has only earned "honorable mention" All Big Ten.)
2. Keeping Addazio to protect this class was stupid. It wasn't mentioned in the extension press release, but I do know that this recruiting class was a factor in keeping Addazio. That was extremely short-sighted. You don't keep a coach because of one batch of recruits. You keep a coach because of a body of work and if he is maximizing the program's potential.
In the end this recruiting class will be fine. Addazio's most redeeming quality is that he's proven to be a very good talent evaluator. He has upgraded the talent across the board and most of his recruits have exceeded their ratings coming into the program. If ratings hold and his past evaluation skills carryover, this will be his best class yet. My concern and fear is that his other pattern (of mismanaging games) will negate this increased talent and he will continue to underachieve while at BC.
1. I don't really worry about decommits. They happen everywhere. Conversely, we always tend to flip a player to us. No one that has decommited from Addazio so far has proven to be a difference maker elsewhere. (Kwity Paye is the highest profile and has only earned "honorable mention" All Big Ten.)
2. Keeping Addazio to protect this class was stupid. It wasn't mentioned in the extension press release, but I do know that this recruiting class was a factor in keeping Addazio. That was extremely short-sighted. You don't keep a coach because of one batch of recruits. You keep a coach because of a body of work and if he is maximizing the program's potential.
In the end this recruiting class will be fine. Addazio's most redeeming quality is that he's proven to be a very good talent evaluator. He has upgraded the talent across the board and most of his recruits have exceeded their ratings coming into the program. If ratings hold and his past evaluation skills carryover, this will be his best class yet. My concern and fear is that his other pattern (of mismanaging games) will negate this increased talent and he will continue to underachieve while at BC.
Friday, August 10, 2018
NJ Linebacker commits
BC ended the week with some good news -- New Jersey Linebacker Shitta Sillah verbaled to Addazio. He's a three star with the services and considered a Top 20 player in New Jersey. His Power 5 offers included Michigan State, Purdue, Duke, Syracuse, Rutgers and Nebraska. He's tall but not filled out yet, so maybe he could move to some sort of DE role. Welcome aboard, Shitta.
Monday, July 30, 2018
Another solid pick up for Addazio
The recruiting momentum continued as BC added a Florida OLine prospect to their current recruiting class. Maurice Smith's verbal means another 3 star with plenty of suitors. His Power 5 offers included Mississippi State and Indiana. He's from Miami Central, so he's playing against elite competition. (Miami had yet to offer.)
Smith's height may be keeping some of Florida's bigger programs away, but I trust Brian White on Florida guys. (White is listed as one of his recruiters, along with new OL coach Phil Trautwein.)
Addazio tends to slow down recruiting once practices start, so I expect a small spike this week and then things to cool off as the staff shifts their focus back to getting the players ready.
Smith's height may be keeping some of Florida's bigger programs away, but I trust Brian White on Florida guys. (White is listed as one of his recruiters, along with new OL coach Phil Trautwein.)
Addazio tends to slow down recruiting once practices start, so I expect a small spike this week and then things to cool off as the staff shifts their focus back to getting the players ready.
Thursday, July 26, 2018
BC makes offer to Mass product
Recruiting had been quite for a few weeks...at least on social media. We know that some of the assistants are on the road, but there are still kids visiting. And seeing the new Field House probably didn't dull Mass DE Greg Crippen's excitement when BC offered him. He already holds offers from Michigan and Purdue. It would be nice to lockdown a local kid who is generating that type of interest.
So excited and thankful to have received an offer to play football from Boston College today! @BCFootball Thank you so much! @BCCoachAddazio @CoachTrautFB @BCCoachJReid @JoeSuIlivan @cfavino22 pic.twitter.com/G4lOJy1Mqy
— Greg CRIPPEN (@gregcrippen) July 26, 2018
Sunday, July 01, 2018
Media taking notice of BC's class
This article breaksdown the latest recruits and BC's ranking among other programs.
This Rivals' article focusing on many teams but highlights BC in the middle. It also points out our success in the Midwest. Traditionally the Midwest has been a key point for BC, but usually in certain pockets (like Cincy). With this class, we seem to be covering the region as a whole.
Here is Garwo talking about coming to BC and how the current running backs were influential in his decision.
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Big day for Addazio recruiting
Addazio had a good day on the recruiting front. First came a commitment from long-rumored RB Patrick Garwo. The Pennsylvania product had offers from multiple Power 5 schools. Rivals gives him 4 stars. 247 gives him 3 stars. He's not Andre Williams/AJ Dillon big, but he's also not a little third down type back. Hopefully he can be featured and use his explosiveness.
Later in the day, news broke that Ohio LB Tommy Eichenberg verbaled to BC. He continues the long BC-St. Ignatius connection and picked BC over offers from Duke, Iowa, Michigan State and Purdue. His older brother is an Offensive Lineman at Notre Dame. Rivals gives him 4 stars. 247 gives him 3 stars. He's big already at 6'3 225 so I wouldn't be surprised if he develops into a DE/LB hybrid.
This is sort of news is all upside for BC. We are recruiting the same type of player who has always succeeded here (Catholic school products from Ohio and PA with respectable offers, but not going head-to-head with the biggest names). Yet both carry high ratings with the recruiting service. If this continues, BC will end up with a prototype group of BC guys who just happen to be rated very high. It is shaping up to the be most respected BC recruiting class in a decade.
Later in the day, news broke that Ohio LB Tommy Eichenberg verbaled to BC. He continues the long BC-St. Ignatius connection and picked BC over offers from Duke, Iowa, Michigan State and Purdue. His older brother is an Offensive Lineman at Notre Dame. Rivals gives him 4 stars. 247 gives him 3 stars. He's big already at 6'3 225 so I wouldn't be surprised if he develops into a DE/LB hybrid.
This is sort of news is all upside for BC. We are recruiting the same type of player who has always succeeded here (Catholic school products from Ohio and PA with respectable offers, but not going head-to-head with the biggest names). Yet both carry high ratings with the recruiting service. If this continues, BC will end up with a prototype group of BC guys who just happen to be rated very high. It is shaping up to the be most respected BC recruiting class in a decade.
Sunday, June 24, 2018
Another Florida verbal
Saturday, Florida athlete Romain Mungin committed to BC. He's a 3 star without a designated position. With his size 5'9, 148 lbs, you have to assume BC is considering him for a WR or DB slot. He has offers from Rutgers, Indiana and a bunch of mid-majors. He also plays at Florida power Plant High School, so despite his size, the staff probably has a good feel for how he will compete at the next level.
Friday, June 22, 2018
How many offers does BC need to fill a class?
If you follow social media, you see how often BC offers football scholarships to players. But no one has counted those until now. As of June 22, the Rivals' database has BC offering up 257 scholarships to members of the Class of 2019. For perspective that is 16th most of the Power 5. From those 257 offers, BC will lock in a class in the low 20s.
The 257 number will also grow. If you follow Addazio's recruiting, things tend to come in waves. It looks like they makes offers, see who accepts and move on from those who don't show real interest. Once a player locks in, the staff makes another wave of offers to fill other slots as needed.
There are some schools that are much more selective. But I have no problem with Addazio's approach. As long as he is improving the talent and getting good players, who cares that he has to send out dozens for every one real prospect?
The 257 number will also grow. If you follow Addazio's recruiting, things tend to come in waves. It looks like they makes offers, see who accepts and move on from those who don't show real interest. Once a player locks in, the staff makes another wave of offers to fill other slots as needed.
There are some schools that are much more selective. But I have no problem with Addazio's approach. As long as he is improving the talent and getting good players, who cares that he has to send out dozens for every one real prospect?
Thursday, June 07, 2018
Addazio continues recruiting hot streak
Right now 247 ranks BC the 4th best recruiting class in the ACC. This due in large part to another successful week in the crazy world of college football recruiting. The big gets this week were NJ Dline prospect Izaiah Henderson and NJ Oline prospect Blerim Rustemi. While BC's ranking among the ACC schools might fall once other classes pick up more kids, Addazio's early edge and the surprising depth and quality of this class is a great sign. Nearly all the current verbals have Power 5 offers other than BC. Nearly all are guys who camped. Many are from territories we consider important (like New Jersey).
The best part of this class looking good, is that they are buying in when there could be doubts. Addazio has yet to break through his 7-6 ceiling. He's had staff changes (that other schools use against him). Yet for good players to continue to commit, it is clear that there is momentum. I know the Practice Facility is part of that, but as important are the current players. Fans often ignore how much current players influence recruiting. Recruits buy in if they think the current players believe and buy in. That was an obvious challenge to some previous BC coaches. Their rosters didn't buy in and it spooked plenty of good prospects. Addazio may not be beloved. He has plenty of issues, but clearly the current roster thinks good things are happening.
It will be interesting to see how this recruiting class progresses. Addazio likes to lock it down before the season. If BC keeps momentum going, this already good class could become the best in more than a decade.
The best part of this class looking good, is that they are buying in when there could be doubts. Addazio has yet to break through his 7-6 ceiling. He's had staff changes (that other schools use against him). Yet for good players to continue to commit, it is clear that there is momentum. I know the Practice Facility is part of that, but as important are the current players. Fans often ignore how much current players influence recruiting. Recruits buy in if they think the current players believe and buy in. That was an obvious challenge to some previous BC coaches. Their rosters didn't buy in and it spooked plenty of good prospects. Addazio may not be beloved. He has plenty of issues, but clearly the current roster thinks good things are happening.
It will be interesting to see how this recruiting class progresses. Addazio likes to lock it down before the season. If BC keeps momentum going, this already good class could become the best in more than a decade.
Sunday, June 03, 2018
Big weekend for recruiting offers
While most think of this weekend as Reunion time at BC, Addazio and his crew were using it for recruiting. They held a camp and plenty of kids walked away with offers. Including:
This New Jersey lineman.
This New Jersey lineman.
This NJ DLine prospect got an offer too.Blessed to Receive a Offer from Boston College! #DecideToFly🦅 pic.twitter.com/UJecSUhwmn— Jermaine 🐗‼️ (@jdonaldsson) June 3, 2018
Another went to this Georgia DB.Extremely blessed to receive an offer from Boston College!! #WeAreBC 🦅 pic.twitter.com/Y7GgkZHxCC— Blerim Rustemi (@brustemi58) June 3, 2018
Blessed to Receive an Offer from Boston College🙏🏾 @elitefootballac @CFravel247 pic.twitter.com/NadChFqSV7— Jamal Hill 🐍 (@rocket3power) June 1, 2018
Monday, May 07, 2018
Addazio gets his 2020 QB
Big news Monday for BC as Michigan QB prospect Sam Johnson committed to the Eagles. Johnson holds offers from Michigan, Syracuse, Iowa, and Mizzou among others. The major services have him as a three star recruit.
Johnson is a pro-style QB who is currently very tall and somewhat skinny. My guess is the coaching staff expects him to fill out a bit as he matures and gets into a college program.
He said all the right things in his media appearances with regards to the BC education and the environment around the team. He plans to enroll this winter.
Good luck to Sam and welcome to BC.
Johnson is a pro-style QB who is currently very tall and somewhat skinny. My guess is the coaching staff expects him to fill out a bit as he matures and gets into a college program.
He said all the right things in his media appearances with regards to the BC education and the environment around the team. He plans to enroll this winter.
Good luck to Sam and welcome to BC.
Finally decided to fly committed to @BCFootball 🦅🦅🦅 pic.twitter.com/Ase1wUVN6V— Sam Johnson 3 (@SJ3_theFuture) May 7, 2018
Saturday, May 05, 2018
More offers go out to football recruits
Reading through social media, you can see the coaches out on the road again and who they are talking to. Here are a few of the latest offers to football targets.
This South Carolina DB also has an offer from Kentucky.
2020 target Texas WR Troy Omeire has an offer from plenty of big programs. Might be a tough sell.
Texas 2020 DT prospect Chidozie Nwankwo also got an offer. I am always dubious of prospects who mentioned "Boston College University."
This Maryland target is listed as a prospect.
This South Carolina DB also has an offer from Kentucky.
Thank you God. Blessed to receive an offer from Boston College! pic.twitter.com/NGDG2qo1UT
— Jalen Geiger (@jalengeiger) May 4, 2018
2020 target Texas WR Troy Omeire has an offer from plenty of big programs. Might be a tough sell.
Humbled to recieve an offer from Boston College!! #DecideToFly 🦅 pic.twitter.com/9QmtGyi0oD
— t.o (@TroyOmeire) May 4, 2018
Texas 2020 DT prospect Chidozie Nwankwo also got an offer. I am always dubious of prospects who mentioned "Boston College University."
Blessed To Receive Another Offer From Boston College Universety ‼️ pic.twitter.com/qQumZeKW8F
— Chidozie Nwankwo (@ChidozieNwankw) May 6, 2018
This Maryland target is listed as a prospect.
Blessed to receive an offer from Boston College @BCCoachGunnell @BCCoachAddazio pic.twitter.com/Ce2PJbbCWA
— Ashton Allen (@ashtonaallen) May 2, 2018
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
Recruiting keeps rolling: adds Maryland DB
Another happy Spring Game visitor. Maryland DB prospect Jalen Williams verballed to BC once he got home from the weekend. The services rate him as a 3 star and he has a bunch of lower-level P5 offers from places like Kentucky, Rutgers, West Virginia and North Carolina. (Interestingly Maryland is not mentioned in the write up.)
Williams seems like the type of guy that has and will continue to thrive at BC. Respectable offers, but nothing that gets the Scouting Services excited. He has good size but not overwhelming speed. He is coming to BC for the right mix of reasons. This seems like a good fit. Congrats to Jalen and welcome aboard.
Williams seems like the type of guy that has and will continue to thrive at BC. Respectable offers, but nothing that gets the Scouting Services excited. He has good size but not overwhelming speed. He is coming to BC for the right mix of reasons. This seems like a good fit. Congrats to Jalen and welcome aboard.
Monday, April 16, 2018
Addazio picks up commitment from CT Lineman
Connecticut OLine prospect Jack Conley verballed to BC Monday. He's from New Canan and has a history with Zach Allen so that helped in the process. He holds decent Power 5 offers and has a huge frame.
There are two things I find important about his commitment. First we haven't lost OLine recruiting momentum even with the change in position coaches. Frye was his primary recruiter, but the staff continued on him even after Frye left.
The second notable thing about Conley and other Connecticut recruits, is how they rarely mention UConn. I know losing hurts recruiting, but I also believe that the conference shuffle killed so much of their momentum in state. That's good for BC.
There are two things I find important about his commitment. First we haven't lost OLine recruiting momentum even with the change in position coaches. Frye was his primary recruiter, but the staff continued on him even after Frye left.
The second notable thing about Conley and other Connecticut recruits, is how they rarely mention UConn. I know losing hurts recruiting, but I also believe that the conference shuffle killed so much of their momentum in state. That's good for BC.
Friday, April 13, 2018
Reminder: the Spring Game is also about recruiting
While Saturday's Spring Game will give us a nice glimpse into what the Football team has been doing the past four weeks, fans often forget it is not just about players on the roster. The game -- and the weekend -- is one of the critical for BC Football recruiting.
The Spring Game remains a big deal in recruiting because it is a chance for the recruited players to experience a big event on campus AND have the focus of the football staff. As exciting as a real game can be, Addazio and his staff can't spend all their time and energy on recruits during a typical game day. During the Spring Game, that is not an issue. Players can be close to the action. Assistants can run over and talk during the game. The lack of real stakes, turns the whole thing into a show.
BC's newest verbal Steve Lubischer will be at the game. So will 2020 target Jalen Berger. There will be more and hopefully they all have a good time.
The Spring Game remains a big deal in recruiting because it is a chance for the recruited players to experience a big event on campus AND have the focus of the football staff. As exciting as a real game can be, Addazio and his staff can't spend all their time and energy on recruits during a typical game day. During the Spring Game, that is not an issue. Players can be close to the action. Assistants can run over and talk during the game. The lack of real stakes, turns the whole thing into a show.
BC's newest verbal Steve Lubischer will be at the game. So will 2020 target Jalen Berger. There will be more and hopefully they all have a good time.
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