Soccer wins opener and other links

The Men's Soccer team got the season off to a good start, beating Quinnipiac 1-0.

BCI has the lowdown on the new SuperFan shirt.

BJ Raji is ready for a big season.

Former BC basketball player Jordan Daniels is dealing with the NCAA over eligibility issues. It all started with his preseason games at BC. Donahue is taking the blame for the misunderstanding.

Checking in on BC NFL Alumni

BC's camp doesn't start for another week, but former BC guys are all over NFL practice fields. Here are some of their stories:

Andre Williams made some headlines when he said the Giants are going to the Super Bowl. It wasn't a bold proclamation like Joe Namath...more like the power of positive thinking.

Edebali is playing well in New Orleans.

Raji reported to Green Bay in good shape. It is the lightest he's been since BC.

Matt Ryan has a new offense and some new facial hair.

My favorite Notre Dame memories

Ruining Notre Dame's 1993 and 2002 seasons are what this rivalry is known for, but there are a few other games that make me smile when I think back to BC vs Notre Dame. When we were rattling off wins in the 2000s there was a great Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner aspect to the series. The Irish fans were sure this was the year that they would finally put BC in its place. And every year we would pull the game out and leave them wondering how it happened again. These are three games I love. Leave your Irish memories below.

1994 BC 30, Notre Dame 11
This was Notre Dame's first visit to Alumni. I was a freshman and this felt like a big game and a big deal. Early on Dan Henning faked a field goal that we converted into a touchdown and the momentum never stopped. Notre Dame was still ranked in the Top 10, but the postgame storming of the field wasn't about the upset. It felt more like a continuation of the celebration from 1993.

2004 BC 24, Notre Dame 23
Notre Dame has just cracked the Top 25 again.They dominated the first half and should have been up more than 20-7. In the second half Paul Peterson took over and led us to a comeback win. The game-winning score came with less than a minute left, when he connected with a Tony Gonzalez on a long TD. I would love to see this game again, but Notre Dame and their partner Hulu have never even put up a highlight clip. Aside from beating Notre Dame, what I loved about the emergence of Peterson was we were finally fun to watch. In the first few years under TOB BC progressed, but still had a workman like feel and style. We would dink and dunk and keep it on the ground. Peterson -- this tiny Mormon QB -- improvised a little and started throwing aggressively downfield. It was a revelation to BC fans. He was the John the Baptist to the Matt Ryan years.

2008 BC 17, Notre Dame 0
By 2008 it was already well established that Charlie Weis and Jimmy Clausen were arrogant asses. That is why shutting them out in Alumni was so much fun. Clausen was picked off four times and after every INT the BC line used him as a blocking sled. The highlight of the night was Raji bullrushing their offensive line into their own running back. It is another clip that used to be on Youtube until Notre Dame requested its removal.

Recruiting news and other links

BC's has new competition for Illinois running back David Smith. Oklahoma is coming on with late interest and Smith seems interested.

Not surprisingly, BC is still in the basement of the ACC Basketball power rankings.

Congrats to BJ Raji on his first Pro Bowl.

For those who missed it, Sean Williams was very Sean William-y in his return to the NBA.

Adios Atkinson and other links

Everyone expected Cam Atkinson to go pro after the season ended. But with BC's early exit from the NCAA Tournament, a few hoped he would return for one more season. It was not to be as the JR forward signed with Columbus. York gave a positive quote and we wish him all the best.

Thomas Claiborne knows he has a lot to prove to the NFL. Once a sure-fire draft pick, his uneven 2010 season has him looking like a free agent.

Bill McGovern told NFL scouts they didn't have to worry about BJ Raji's off the field issues.

Although they lost the finale, the baseball team took two out of three from Virginia Tech over the weekend.

Also, I am not ignoring this Skinner article. I just want to get my thoughts together before I rehash what so many have talked about already.

Super Eagles

I can't read lips, but I bet BJ and Robert's celebration mentioned something about BC. Congrats guys.

BC back in the Super Bowl and other links

With the game on the line, look to the former Eagles to make a play! Congrats to BJ on his big touchdown and to Packer fans everywhere. Let's not overlook Robert Francois's contributions too. Also, good luck to the Steelers and the Rooney family (which has plenty of BC ties). I don't care for either team but will probably root for Green Bay because of their BC guys leading the way.

One of BC's top commits, Graham Stewart, will host Florida coaches at his house this week. Fortunately we are deep at LB, but I would still hate to see a kid ditch us so late in the process. Let's hope Spaz has someone camp out at the kid's house to keep him in the fold.

BC lost out on Brandon Clemons too. He's headed to Michigan State.

The hockey team pulled away from UMass-Lowell en route to a 5-3 win on Saturday night.

Women's basketball lost to Georgia Tech on Sunday and fell to 2-3 in ACC play.

Could another Raji play football at the Heights?

Could Corey make this catch in traffic with a football and pads?

Two things this week got me thinking about Corey Raji trying football in 2011. First was seeing Jimmy Graham put on a good show during Monday Night Football. The second was reading about Steve Donahue talking about Corey's smooth stroke. The reality is that Corey is probably not going to play in the NBA. While he is a good defender and college rebounder, he doesn't have the handle to be a wing in the NBA, nor the size to play in the interior. He could probably make a go of it in Europe but that is not a given.

However, very few borderline pro hoops prospects have brothers who were first round NFL Draft picks. BJ and his burgeoning success has got to be a model for Corey. BJ is making more playing football than Corey ever could make playing hoops in Europe. Plus Corey has a slight understanding of the physicality of football. I know that is not the same as getting hit yourself, but it does count for something.

Now if Corey decided to play football, his natural position might be an issue. Would he be a WR? A Tight End? Maybe a Defensive End? With such a limited window to try football, I think Spaz and his staff would have to give him a quick tryout at each position and see which one he gravitates towards. If he can't catch, then you put him on D, etc.

Could Spaz even use him? That is another question. We have decent depth at WR and TE. Corey might not even see the field. While we have some nice experience returning at DE, Corey might be able to work himself into that rotation. Does Spaz have a scholarship for him? Maybe. It looks like we will max out on the recruiting class, but a kid is bound to leave or wash out before fall practices begin. If it really came down to cost, I am sure BJ would pick up the tab for Corey to be a football walkon for one semester.

Although Corey is a good athlete, he could have a really strong year in football and still not get a shot at the NFL. It might not be worth the trouble or potential injury, but it would be a fun end to the Raji family's time at the Heights.

Another honor for Kuechly and other links

The Football Writers Association of America named Luke Kuechly to their All America team. It is Luke's second nation team honor and a good indicator that he will make the AP's team.

I don't know if it is good ol' BC luck or if he is just off to a good start, but Danny Rubin's play has been much better than expected. What's crazy is that Donahue was slow playing him at Cornell and Rubin was ready to walk on at Colgate. Now he is burying jumpers for an ACC team.

BJ Raji made huge strides this season.

Cool poster and other links

I am usually not a fan of the annual BC Marketing poster, but I have to say that this year's is pretty bad ass.

BC will be one of the first schools to use Under Armour's new basketball shoes.

Thursday was photo day which meant no practices. On this bceagles.com link you can see the photo gallery of their session.

Ryan Purvis is fighting for a roster spot in Tampa Bay.

BJ Raji is ready to become a full-time player for the Packers.

Can the ACC get SEC-type money and other links

Here's a good breakdown of the factors in the new ACC TV deal.

It looks like our running game will be more traditional, less stretch zone stuff.

Have you seen a red Cadillac on campus? It probably belongs to Dave Shinskie.

Despite his holdout, Raji came into Packers camp prepared and should play in their next preseason game.

I thought BC fans would appreciate EDSBS's description of the BC-Notre Dame relationship.

More QB news and other links

BC has moved on from Joe Boisture and is looking to take multiple QBs in this recruiting class. We seemed poised to add another until...

"The timing is crazy because I was actually thinking about committing to Boston College today and then I got an email from one of the coaches to call coach (Lane) Kiffin and when I did, he told me they were offering."

The summer of "doh" continues. Rettig is still saying good things but now that Tennessee is in the mix, I think our chances are slim. Let's hope the staff stays aggressive on the recruiting front.

The BC women will take on Baylor in the Maggie Dixon Classic at MSG.

Suns.com posted a Q&A with Jared Dudley.

The Examiner catches up on Brace and Raji.

Raji talks about drug tests and other links

In his first big press conference in Green Bay BJ spoke about his failed drug test while at BC. He reaffirms that he moved on and learned from that and the combine hubbub.

Mr. College Football thinks Tranquill is one of the key additions among ACC staffers.

Here is more on our new OL recruit.

HD took a look at the different QB depth charts around the conference.

My mock draft part 2

This is part 2 of my mock draft dealing with Raji and Brace. Both should go early, possibly both in the first round.

"With the fifth pick in the NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select B.J. Raji, Defensive Tackle, Boston College."

For the second year in a row, I think BC will have a top 5 pick. That's a true accomplishment. The Bengals, Packers and Jaguars are also potential landing spots, but I think Cleveland will jump at the chance to get an anchor for their defensive line. As far as B.J.'s pro prospects, I think he can be a very good at this level. His maturity and focus remain a question, but I think his senior year and Senior Bowl speak to his willingness to put in extra effort. When the false drug test leak broke I compared Raji's experience to Warren Sapp. My analogy was based on the drug issue, but it may have been appropriate on a skill level comparison too. Raji can be as good as Sapp. Let's hope Saturday is the start of a brilliant NFL career.

"With the 7th pick of the second round, the Jacksonville Jaguars select Ron Brace, Defensive Tackle, Boston College."

I've read repeatedly that many teams looking at Raji are also considering Brace. Jacksonville has a need at DT and Brace will probably be available when they select in the second round. I think he'll be a good fit and a good pro. His upside is probably limited compared to Raji, but there is no reason he can't have a solid NFL career.

Penn State rumors and other links

Patriots' Day is always slow for BC news, but word leaked that BC and Penn State are talking schedules. This would allow Spaz to take on his first mentor in Joe Paterno. It would be great to have them back in the regular schedule rotation. Plus taking on JoePa allows Spaz to look young, fresh and hip.

The Broncos like both of our Defensive Tackles. They probably can't wait for Raji to drop so they may reach for Brace. (Thanks to John for the link.)

SI is finally retracting its Raji story. (Thanks to Matt for the link.) 4/20 justice! BJ recently spoke with the 49ers.

Matt Ryan is going to be in an ESPN ad that will air this fall.

This New Jersey linebacker doesn't have a BC offer yet but hopes to turn some heads this summer.

Baseball keeps bringing it and other links

Easter weekend means slow news around BC. Fortunately we have baseball and BJ Raji.

Baseball blasted Wake in the first game of a double header and then won the series by winning the second game. BC is now 9-6 in the ACC.

BJ Raji won't be at the NFL Draft. Smart move from his agents. If he went to the draft and slid even just one slot out of the top 10, BJ would be the focus of tons of negative publicity.

SI tried to spin their unofficial retraction on the Raji story.

BJ was one of the players featured in the NFL.com's draft capsules.

SI buries Raji story and other links

SI, which first reported the Raji drug test story, has now removed it from their web site. No explanation or formal retraction was given. (Legal issues perhaps?) This saga is beyond strange. Who know what twist it will take next?

BCeagles.com posted a Q&A with Lars Anderson.

Baseball beat URI to improve to 20-11.

Baseball Beanpot, latest on Raji and other links

No luck with anything Beanpot related for BC. The baseball team lost to struggling UMass in the opener of the Beanpot. They allowed the Minutemen to score three runs in the final two innings. BC plays Harvard in the consolation game next week.

The Raji parents have now come to B.J.'s defense on the drug test issue. In the Globe Reiss tries to get to the bottom of it all. The confusing part for me is that Raji's agents are now on the offensive saying they haven't heard from the NFL and using the NFL's silence as confirmation that test story was bogus. Yet I've read in a couple of places that the NFL doesn't release the test info to teams until April 20. So they are going around claiming innocence and there is a chance that they could still be burned by an NFL report. I think it is best that they all just take a wait and see and B.J. focuses on his team interviews.

Herzy is on the Lott Trophy watch list.

Softball beat Providence twice on Tuesday.

Raji claims innocence via Facebook

Initially Raji's new agents protested the SI story and said he was innocent. BJ, who did not issue any public statement, updated his Facebook status Monday with this "Correction not guilty...Break that news."

He still is not issuing any formal denial or rebuttal, but it is implied from the Facebook post that he is innocent and has been cleared in some capacity. Yet as of Monday night there were no new stories related to the case or any leaks on the blogs or message boards. The only news was another press release from his agents still claiming he is innocent. Regardless of what Raji says in the coming weeks the story probably won't go away nor impact his draft status much.

(Thanks to Brad for the tip.)

Reefer madness: Raji adds twist to his draft day story

Every Draft Guru and ESPN talking head owes BJ Raji a big thank you. His stupid mistake just provided a second act to his draft story and fodder for the endless on-air debates that surround the NFL Draft. He's gone from this year's Mamula to this year's Warren Sapp.

After the season ended Raji was considered a late first rounder. Then he dominated the Senior Bowl practices. Buzz built. Then they actually played the Senior Bowl and looked even better. The media and NFL started taking notice. Raji followed this performance with a very good combine and Pro Day. Detroit even floated taking him first overall. This skyrocketing reminded many BC fans of Mamula's assent.

Now word leaked that he failed a drug test prior to his combine. This will only remind people of BJ's past issues. Do you spend a first round pick on a guy who hasn't shown consistent effort? Do you give millions to a guy who battles his weight? Do you build your defense around a guy who had problems in the classroom? Do you want to deal with the headache of having your new star deal with the drug question in every interview for the next 12 months? Do you want to take a guy who was too dumb, or oblivious, or undisciplined to avoid pot for a few weeks prior to a scheduled drug test? All these types of questions surrounded Warren Sapp in 1995 (ironically the same draft as Mamula).

In the end I think Raji will have a draft day similar to Sapp's. He'll slide a little further than he would have prior to the leak. He'll be embarrassed and over analyzed. And he will be a steal for whatever team gets him. He'll make good money but not as much as he would have a month ago. If he becomes a good pro no one will care. If he is a bust, everyone will say "I told you so."

Some regulars may wonder why I chose to focus on the media angle instead of BJ's boneheadedness. Partially because I don't think it will matter and partially because I am resigned to guys doing stupid things. They're human and just because you are a good football player doesn't mean you are a good decision maker. BJ's did a stupid thing and nothing I say can change that or bring a fresh take. My only hope is he changes his behavior and learns. But given his track record I think he'll remain talented and reckless.