Herzy media push and other links

Herzy is making the media rounds. I imagine it is the start of a national award push the Sports Information Department will make for him this fall. He spoke with HD about the changes in practice and his influence on the Spaz hire.

HD also mentioned Chris Pantale's strong spring.

SI has us in what would be the "others receiving votes" category of their 2009 Top 25. Surprising given the general media perception predicts major drop off for us.

The Softball team beat Dartmouth Tuesday.

New recruit and other links

It looks like Spaz is going to land another one of this early targets. On Thursday, Philly tackle Seth Betancourt is expected to announce that he is headed to Chestnut Hill to play for BC.

We just finished the 2009 Draft so of course it is time to start thinking about 2010. This mock draft has Herzy going top 10.

Any Katz remains high on BC's basketball team next year.

BC slugged it out with Quinnipiac Tuesday.

Basketball highlights and other links

Above is a great video of this season's highlights. Check out more basketball vids at BCHOOPS08 page on youtube.

Mike Dee, the Head of Fenway Sports Group, may step down to take over the Miami Dolphins. Who knows what his departure will mean for BC sports marketing. Dee was the driving force behind FSG. Let's hope his replacement could keep up the momentum on BC's efforts.

Brandon Robinson signed with Philly so he stays an Eagle.

Robert Francois signed with the Vikings.

More draft stuff and other links

Ron Brace is the first BC guy taken by the Pats since 2003.

The Packers did not get caught up or distracted by the false news related to Raji's drug test.

The Globe estimated a crowd of 2,000 at the Spring Game. The Herald had a bit more detail including a quote from Castonzo emphasizing the transition to a more power running line scheme.

Toal might be one of the underrated guys to get picked on Day 2. (Thanks to Ryan for the link.) Former Eagle Fraz Joseph is also hoping for his chance and holds no ill will towards BC. (Thanks to Matt for the link.)

Baseball lost to Duke 9-2 on Saturday.

Good day for alums, bad day for current BC QBs

You can't use weather as an excuse for what happened today. On a beautiful day in Boston the BC offense couldn't move the ball and all three QBs looked raw in the annual spring game. It is not panic time yet, but I think this season could see the offense significantly struggle. Below are some shots by regular commentator Joe Bags.

The good news today was both BJ Raji and Ron Brace were drafted on the first day of the 2009 NFL Draft. Brace gets to stay close to home in his deal. Raji will play in the middle of nowhere, but that should be good. In Green Bay he can focus just on football.

Perfect Day for the BC sports fan

Those lucky enough to be in Boston will have a beautiful day to head over to campus and watch the Spring Game. Good news too in that the NFL Draft and Yankees-Sox have been pushed back to later in the day for those who might view those as conflicts (but really, what is more important than BC football?).

One request to anyone attending the game: please take pictures.

I'll have thoughts on the game and draft late tonight.

Watch the Spring Game online and other links

Once again ACC/BC All Access is stepping up to the plate and broadcasting the Spring Game for free. That is huge for those of us outside of Boston. If you haven't used the All Access system in the past, give it a shot. It is a cool thing for those who can't get all their BC content locally.

In his final mock draft, Peter King has Raji going to the Bengals.

Jay Glazer has Raji falling to Jacksonville.

The ACC named Kristin Igoe and goalkeeper Katie Monaghan to their all conference lacrosse team.

And what of Chris Crane?

All the talk of our prospects ignored one of the most important names from last season -- Chris Crane. Last spring, when he was finally taking snaps with the first team, many on the staff thought Crane might be an NFL QB. He had the body and the arm and showed promise. Spring became summer and concern creeped in. As we all know it only got worse as real games began. And just when things seemed to be turning around, he broke his collar bone.

Crane will not be drafted this weekend, but he will still get a shot at the NFL. Every team is looking for the next Matt Cassell...some raw untested QB talent they can groom and then leverage. But you don't get that long to prove yourself. Crane will have mini camp and maybe some time this summer to earn his way onto a practice squad. From there, who knows?

One team I don't think will wait for Crane to develop is Tampa Bay. I don't think there is any bad blood between Jags/Logan and Crane, but I doubt they will want to relive this last season at the NFL level. Plus Chris deserves a fresh start. He frightened and frustrated me to no end this year, but I always root for these guys to succeed. Hopefully he makes the most of his chance.

Getting to know Gary Tranquill and other links

The Globe produced a solid piece on Gary Tranquill. It echoed many of the good things we are hearing. It sounds like Tranquill can be a good mentor to the young QBs and will build an offense around what works. My concern was never about Tranquill's ability to groom kids or provide a veteran presence. My concern remains the productivity of his offense and if he can make lemonade out of the lemons. Saturday will be our first glimpse of how things will look.

HD listed some ACC darkhorses. BC was not included. She does realize that there is talent on offense.

The BC women lost to Duke in the opening round of the ACC Lacrosse tournament.

This blogger has Brace ranked as the 55th best prospect and Raji as the 14th.

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.

My mock draft part 1

Predicting the top picks is a crap shoot. Knowing that, I am just having fun and predicting where some of our guys will end up. This is Part 1. Part 2 will deal with the bonus babies Brace and Raji.

"With the the 28th pick of the 5th round, the New York Giants select Clif Ramsey, Gaurd, Boston College."

As previously stated I am a big Ramsey fan. The reason I think he ends up in New York is two fold: Coughlin and Bicknell. By the fifth round teams aren't picking for primary need. They can truly start picking best available. What they are hoping for is added depth and someone who can contribute. TC is obviously a big believer in BC linemen. With Bicknell on the staff, I bet he goes to bat for Clif. I have no idea if this will happen or if Ramsey will even get drafted, but I could see this happening.

"With the 47th pick of the 7th round, the Kansas City Chiefs select, Brian Toal, Linebacker, Boston College."

Yes, I think Toal will be "Mr. Irrelevant." My gut tells me that someone will take a chance on him. Why not the Chiefs? In New England Pioli looked for players like Brian. Toal is versatile with a good football IQ. Pioli will take him knowing there is a chance he can contribute in three phases of the game.

Free Agents
Ryan Purvis -- Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons saw ever pass Matt threw in college. They obviously know our pass catchers and gave Tony Gonzalez a chance last year. They need depth and skill at Tight End. I bet they try to sign Purvis as a free agent.

Robert Francois -- Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers always seem to find the under the radar guys when adding depth to their defense. Francois seems like the type of player they like (good speed, size and upside).

Kevin Akins -- Oakland Raiders
This is just a hunch. I am basing this on the Raiders tradition of speed and the potential to use him as a light, quick LB. It doesn't hurt that Ricky Brown has done well as a free agent there too.

BC-Michigan in ACC Challenge and other links

BC played went to Ann Arbor two years ago as part of the ACC Challenge. Neither team was particularly good and the game was shunned off to an early ESPN U start. Next season BC will travel to Ann Arbor again only this time it will probably be one of the featured games of the Big Ten/ACC Challenge. Here are the other matchups.

Although none of the marquee sports earned recognition, numerous BC teams scored very high on the NCAA's APR report.

Former Eagle Tim Ceglarski stepped down as Elmira's coach.

Sean Ryan signed with the Chiefs.

BC is in the mix for Maryland LB Troy Gloster.

What do the NFL guys really think about our prospects

One thing that I always find interesting about the NFL draft is the NFL.com's anonymous assessments of potential draftees. The criticism is often harsh and often on the money. We tend to love all our guys and think they all deserve a shot in the NFL. Sometimes the undrafted guy proves the BC fan right (Dunbar and Silva come to mind) and then other guy who we think should be stars never catch on (Callender). So here are some of the critiques of our potential draftees.

BJ Raji
The Good

...Arguably the single-most dominant player during the week of practice at the Senior Bowl.

The Bad

Reliable tackler, but lacks the balance and lateral quickness to break down and make the tackle in space. Most effective when operating as part of a rotation. Maturity is a concern.

My Take: Raji is going early. I think he will be a good Pro. Regardless of his weight and maturity, BJ has shown that when the game starts he can stay focused. That's what matters.

Ron Brace
The Good

Versatile defender capable of projecting as a zero-, one- or three-technique at the next level.

The Bad

Marginal effort and ability in pursuit. Flanked by a better prospect in Raji and often faces only one blocker.

My Take: While not as flashy as Raji, I think Brace is a steal. He was great last year when Raji was suspended. That showed he can carry a DLine. Assuming his back checks out, I would draft Brace in the 1st round.

Kevin Akins
The Good

Versatile defender capable of making an immediate contribution on special teams.

The Bad

Good aggression to take on blocks, but gets washed out if engaged.

My Take: I have been surprised by the interest in Akins. Great kid, great college player, but I never thought he was an NFL guy. What position will he play? His lackluster combine probably ended his chance of getting drafted.

Robert Francois
The Good

Gives good pop to tight ends and can ride in coverage. ... Gets good depth on his drops and is alert in coverage

The Bad

Performance might have been inflated due to the surrounding talent at defensive tackle and linebacker.

My Take: I think Francois can and will catch on as a free agent. He was one of those guys who always looked good when I watched the games back. If not for our loaded LB group the past three years, he would have played and stood out more.

Ryan Purvis
The Good

Knows where the holes in zone coverage are and has the size and reliable receiving skills to settle there and be a security blanket.

The Bad

based on his dismal performance in 2008, he might be a case for having a great quarterback (Matt Ryan) making him look better than he actually was.

My Take: Purvis's stock dropped the most from last year to this year and it is reflected in the Scout's comments. I think in the right place Purvis can be a good pass catching TE. It wouldn't surprise me if he joins Matt in NFL.

Clif Ramsey
The Good

High-effort player. ... Versatile, with a starting season at both left and right guard.

The Bad

Flashes quickness to the second level, but lacks the balance and agility to block NFL-caliber athletes at the second level.

My Take: I think Ramsey is going to be a steal on Day 2. Here is an all conference player from a program with a great OL tradition and he is generating little interest. Unbelievable. Ramsey was easily our most consistent and most improved player on the offensive side of the ball last year. If he keeps getting better he will be a very good NFL player.

Brian Toal
The Good

Plays with wild abandon; is willing to blow up fullbacks in the hole or blockers on the outside so his teammates can make the play.

The Bad

His constant search for contact makes his injury issues especially problematic.

My Take: Like Akins, I think Toal's tweener status makes his NFL prospects iffy. However, I think the intrigue surrounding him may force a team to use a final round pick on our oft injured player.


With just days to go I think four guys will get drafted (Raji, Brace, Ramsey and Toal). I'll explain why and predict where guys will land and where the free agents should sign later this week.

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 shutout and other links

BC dropped an ACC series when Virginia shut them out Sunday.

The softball team picked up just their second ACC win of the year by beating Maryland in extra innings.

2010 commit Kevin Pierre-Louis spoke with Eagle Insider about his decision and the coaching staff.

What to make of Boek's big break

I hate reading too much into these spring scrimmages, but Codi Boek's continued good play is an interesting storyline. Even though he was switched back to QB prior to practices starting, most felt the QB situation was a two-man race between Tuggle and Davis. Can Boek be in the mix? If he does become the BC QB it will just be the latest in his roller coaster career.

When Boek signed with BC it made for good copy but the coaching staff was very excited about his prospects. A JUCO coach who helped funnel him to BC said he was better than Paul Peterson. Then he arrived on campus and struggled. He had trouble picking up the offense and didn't look like a DIA QB. When I asked Purvis about Davis and Boek at the ACC media days, he spoke highly of Dominique's progress. His nonanswer on Boek spoke volumes. Before official summer practice began Boek was moved to fullback. I felt it was premature. Why give up on kid after only one spring session? Yet everyone I heard from said that getting another Peterson wasn't going to happen. Even during the Crane and Davis struggles, using Boek never seemed like a viable option.

One of the benefits of coaching changes is the clean slate that certain players get from the new staff. Boek would probably still be a fullback if Jags was still around. He may not be the answer but given the way his entire football career has gone, you can never count the kid out.

Attention Atlanta area fans and alums: join the BC club for Relay for Life

The BC Club of Atlanta is joining other area alumni clubs to help raise money to fight cancer. Details below. Congrats on the club for doing more than just sports stuff.

The Boston College Alumni Association of Atlanta and other local ACC alumni groups (Clemson, FSU, Miami, NCSU, VT, others) are coming together for one cause - to help raise money to fight cancer!

Please join us for a happy hour to raise money for the Cobb County Relay for Life, which benefits the American Cancer Society.

A $10 donation at the door includes your beers that evening. Please pass this on - ANYONE AND EVERYONE is invited to attend!

A great deal on beers and helping to cure cancer. Win/Win everyone!

To learn more about the Cobb County Relay for Life, visit www.cobbrelay.org or http://main.acsevents.org/goto/BostonCollegeATL Thanks for your support!

What's old is new again on offense

Spaz talked to HD today and gave her a high level overview of the new offense. He mentions less passing, more traditional running, and more "pro style." All of that is vague enough to not really tell us anything. The only concern for me is the running game. I hope we don't completely abandon the zone scheme and stretches. Because our OL coach, line and backs are all comfortable in that style.

Spaz didn't tip his hand on the QB front either. Word is that Davis remains on top of the depth chart but isn't really standing out.

I remain optimistic about next season but predict a lot of 9-7, 13-10 type of games.

Looking back at Spaz Part 3

Spaz is a first-time head coach, but he is a very familiar name to BC fans. Having called the defenses for 10 years, I thought the offseason would be a good time to look back at some of his best and worst moments. Hopefully he’s learned from these events and will use that knowledge this season now that he is in charge of both sides of the ball.


Boston College 14 -- Notre Dame 7
November 2, 2002

What Happened?
I don't need to say much to remind BC and Notre Dame fans of the game. BC limped in 4-3 coming off a tough loss to Pitt. The Irish were undefeated, ranked second in the country and decided to break out the green jerseys. Although the Irish put up 357 yards in the game, the BC D saved the day. Some of their defensive accomplishments included:

-- Forcing five turnovers
-- Converting one INT into a touchdown
-- Only allowing one score despite the Irish's six trips to the redzone
-- 4 sacks which included knocking out Notre Dame's starting QB

But Spaz's biggest contribution might have been less about scheme and more about motivation. During the back and forth of the game, the NBC cameras caught Spaz admonishing the guys that the game wasn't over. The fire and mood was something BC fans rarely saw from our head coach. Seeing passion and seeing the impact it had on the players was encouraging. It showed Spaz cared. And most importantly, it was the right message.

What I hope he’s learned?

That Notre Dame team was not some sort of offensive juggernaut. It wasn't Spaz's miracle game plan that won the day. Instead it was about plugging holes due to injury, a sound attack and keeping the guys focused. The biggest take away was hopefully how to deal with the heightened expectations and emotions of a big game. Spaz has seen multiple approaches: from TOB's every game is the same approach, to Jags' rah rah stuff. There is a happy medium and there are moments to push some buttons during the game. Spaz's outburst showed that he understands that. As a head coach Spaz's words and motivational ploys are that much more important. I hope he harnesses that passion like he did against Notre Dame seven years ago.

Barber resigns from Board and other links

Greg Barber, who endowed the football coach's salary, resigned from the BC Board of Trustees. He gave the Globe a pithy "no comment" on why he decided to resign now. Read into it what you want. The speculation is pretty broad. Everything from his continued frustration with Gene, to his net worth taking a serious hit have been whispered as explanations. I have nothing concrete either way, but Barber has been pretty vocal about his unhappiness with BC Athletics for the past two years.

Kiwi and his mother are sharing their family story with students in Connecticut.

What is it about UMass that is giving the baseball team such trouble?