Christian Q&A and other links

The Heights posted an excellent Q&A with Jim Christian. What I found most interesting is that he's not watching tape of last season. He explains that he's doing it so everyone has a clean slate and because he is running something totally different. However, you would think he would want to see how the players played during live action. At least Clifford is looking healthy.

BC is one of many ACC schools to get on late-blooming basketball prospect Rayjon Tucker.

Phil Steele is a big believer in experience and developed his own metrics to measure it. The numbers don't look good for BC.

There are reports that the Women's backup Goalie Megan Miller is transferring to Wisconsin.

UNC-Asheville hired BC's pitching coach.

Chase Rettig is making the most of limited snaps with the Packers. The Raiders signed Emmett Cleary. The Eagles are giving Momah a second chance in Philadelphia.

BC coaches in their 2nd Year

What do you expect from Addazio this year? In first years, fans tend to want a new coach to show improvement. They want to see healthy change as the new leader puts his stamp on the program. Years 3 and 4 are when expectations rise. A full roster of his own players and a few trips around the conference means the team should be ready to win. But Year 2 isn't as defined...for BC or any team really.

I think the general consensus among BC fans is that we'll be a borderline bowl team again. If we take a step back, it will only be because we overachieved last year and are very young. But historically Year 2 hasn't been a good barometer for any BC coach. Take a look at coaches in their second year since Holovak.

Coach	Year 1	Year 2
Holovak	3-6	4-4-1
Hefferle	3-6-1	4-6
Miller	8-2	6-3
Yukica	6-3	5-4
Chlebek	0-11	5-6
Bicknell	5-6	8-3-1
Coughlin	4-7	8-3-1
Henning	7-4-1	4-8
O'Brien	4-7	4-7
Jagodzinski	11-3	9-5
Spaziani	8-5	7-6

Over the 11 coaches there is not great pattern. You want to read into Coughlin's four win improvement, but how can you when Chlebek improved by five wins? Henning fell apart, but Spaz held things together. Jags' record declined but I know many of us felt his second year was a more impressive coaching job.

I think and want Addazio to do well this season. But I don't think we can read too much into our final record. The key for me will be how we compete and how the players he recruited start to develop.

Bates is right and wrong

Brad Bates issued another "letter" from the AD desk, this time regarding the game day experience. I applaud him for the series and reaching out to share his thoughts. I also appreciate the renovations in Alumni. However, I think he and many of his fellow sports leaders are missing the boat on the competition for the game day experience. Watching the game is better at home and it is cheaper. That will never be the competition. That is people's default. But better replay and easier parking, or even cheaper tickets are not the answer to getting people to the game. Getting people to the game is about experiences you cannot get at home.

That is why the band is important. That is why tailgating is critical. That is why having traditions like the Eagle or getting your picture with Baldwin makes a difference. Running on the field after the game is something you cannot do if you stay home. Social media is great but nothing beats the communal experience of watching a tense game with thousands of like-minded people. If you want people to pay extra and make the effort, remind them of what is unique about seeing a game live. Replays and parking and even food need to be good. The stuff you cannot duplicate at home needs to be great. Then people will come. Then they will feel they are part of something.

Another recruit and other links

Florida Athlete Michael Walker committed to Addazio Tuesday. He is under the radar and smallish, but does hold an offer from Arizona.

Tampa Bay cut Emmett Cleary. He still has plenty of time to catch on with another team.

Florida Athlete Michael Walker committed to Addazio Tuesday. He is under the radar and smallish, but does hold an offer from Arizona.

Like many of us, Matt Ryan is also a BC sports fan.

Thatcher Demko posted another update to his blog as he preps for the NHL Draft.

Feeling better about Ty-Meer Brown's neck

When Ty-Meer Brown announced he would play his fifth year at BC, it seemed too good to be true. We need DB help and he was familiar with Don Brown's system. Of course the catch was UConn had declared him medically ineligible. Many questioned why BC would take on the liability of a player with a potential serious neck issue. It turns out that multiple doctors have cleared Brown to play.  In fact, UConn was the only program that felt he shouldn't play again.

There is risk to any player that steps on the field. Brown faces risk, but his risk is not that much greater than his fellow BC teammates. Maybe it is better this way. When he takes the field, Brown won't think about injury. He also brings a dedication. Many players would opt out when given the change. Brown wants to be here and still dreams of the NFL. I am glad he decided to finish his career with us.

Miller update and other links

When he committed, Jeremy Miller was the centerpiece of Donahue's 2015 recruiting class. After the coaching change, he decided to reopen his recruiting process. Usually when that happens, I expected the decommitted player to go elsewhere. Miller sounds a little different. He's hearing from other programs but still claims that BC is a possibility. He wants Christian to "recruit him." Who knows how that will play out?

Seattle expects KPL to make an impact in his rookie year.

BC is making a push for Florida DT Kyle Henderson.

More previews and other links

SBNation released two more previews of our future opponents. Louisville is replacing many of their key players, but they are also getting Bobby Petrino. At the college level Petrino has proven that he can win with a roster someone else recruited. SBNation's NC State preview notes how soft the Pack's schedule is.

Maryland Running Back Dalonte Waters had interest from BC, but didn't meet NCAA standards and is now headed to Junior College. I doubt we will rerecruit him. I just don't see us dealing with an academic JuCo player.

Tweets of the Week

Players back for Day 1 of classes! Only @BostonCollege do you get to listen to Father Tony Penna discuss leadership pic.twitter.com/vGuRgxOnl0

— Steve Addazio (@BCCoachAddazio) June 9, 2014

Bruce Pearl hasn't been able to speak to a recruit at Auburn + he's landed Antoine Mason, KC Ross-Miller, Kareem Canty, + Cinmeon Bowers.

— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) June 11, 2014

We need to adopt Brazilian single name terminology. "Starting QB, Texas A&M: JOHNNY."

— Spencer Hall (@edsbs) June 12, 2014

Suprise visit by @Coach_Donahue who's daughter is going to be a #NittanyLion. Took opportunity to talk offense. pic.twitter.com/fqpaG0fAYU

— Patrick Chambers (@Coach_Chambers) June 10, 2014

Former BC coach Steve Donahue has turned down Marist job, source told ESPN.

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) June 5, 2014

BC makes a surprise appearance in O'Bannon suit and other links

BC is not directly tied to the O'Bannon battle with the NCAA, but our beloved school was mentioned Thursday by a former TV executive.

"If the Boston College basketball team will share revenues from television and, lo and behold, each member of the Boston College basketball team is entitled to $200,000, I just think that's a negative," Pilson said. "I think that's a problem for the public."

I don't know if Pilson pulled the BC example out of thin air or intentionally mentioned a recent under performing team, but the whole example is weird. I will keep rooting for BC athletes if they get paid. I think most BC fans would. Look at how pro sports salaries have sky rocketed. Did the sports become less popular? How about the Olympics which used to pride itself on amateurism? I think paying athletes is one of those survey questions where people answer one way and then when faced with the actuality, ultimately don't care.

Hayden Rettig won't be coming to BC. Chase's brother decided to transfer to Rutgers. I understand, but I sort of don't. Rutgers runs a pro-style offense. However, the coach is on the Hot Seat. Why not play JuCo this year and see what spots open up?

Matt Ryan is still using things he learned from his BC coaches. The Falcons announced they will participate in Hard Knocks this year, which means plenty of Matt Ryan time on TV.

Connecticut LB William Harris committed to BC Wednesday. Florida LB Jimmy Martin picked up a BC offer after camp.

Be sure to read Paul Myerberg's excellent season preview on BC.

Mason to Auburn

According to multiple reports and his Twitter account,  Antoine Mason decided to play his final year of college basketball at Auburn.

This now leaves Jim Christian and staff with very little time to find an impact player for next season.  However, they still have roster space for a true transfer.

Mason would have been a big get, but I am not giving up on next year. There is still a chance Olivier can put this team on his back.

Elijah Robinson commits

Despite flirtation with traditional pocket passers (see Hayden Rettig) Addazio keeps doubling down on dual threat, running QBs. The latest commit is New Jersey product Elijah Robinson. Other programs that offered Robinson include Michigan State, Nebraska and Rutgers. There's a lot to like about Robinson. He's got decent size, he's helps build our New Jersey network, and can play other positions if he cannot get on the field at QB.

I don't know if we will still add other QB to this class. There are other offers out there and plenty of room in the recruiting class. I imagine the urgency will depend a lot on how Wade looks as the potential starter in 2015.

More opponent previews and other links

USA Today previewed NC State. I was surprised by how bad NC State was last year, so I don't know if we can count on a rebound season this year. Bill Connelly at SBNation started publishing his ACC previews, including future opponents Wake Forest and Syracuse.

ESPN thinks November will be the toughest part of the schedule.

USA Hockey invited Demko to its United States National Junior Goaltender Evaluation Camp.

If you haven't been following, Soaring to Glory is once again doing a player by player breakdown of the roster as the season nears closer.

2014 Preview Questions: Who will be our deep threat

For all of last season's innovative mix of spread and jumbo packages, the fundamentals of BC's offense were decades old. We ran the ball over and over and then used play action to connect on deep passes. I have enough confidence in the offensive line and the mix of running backs, that I think they can duplicate Andre Williams' production as a group. I have not seen Murphy play much, but his arm seems adequate enough to connect on deep passes. The big question is who will catch the deep balls?

Speed is really the key on long passes. If you cannot get separation downfield, a fast DB can catch up to the Reciever while the ball is still in the air. Amidon's deceptive speed was a perfect compliment to our passing game last year, as he blew by opponents with regularity.

The returning pass catchers lack many essential skills but especially speed. A lot is expected of converted QB Josh Bordner, but he's not going to run by ACC DBs. Harrison Jackson's health is in question. No one knows if Bobby Swigert will be 100%. Crimmins is a possession guy. Barksdale is untested. Dudeck brings a few dimensions to the O but he's not a scorcher. It is no wonder that the coaching staff is still scouring college rosters for a 5th year guy. Shakim Phillips is expected to return, but we can't count on that until he completes his UConn degree.

Of the incoming freshmen, there is potential. Nat Dixon, Gabriel McClary, Troy Flutie, and Thaddius Smith all have the chance to come in and contribute as true freshman. All they have to do is show they can run fast and still catch the ball.

After last year, I do trust Addazio and Day to do the best with what talent they have. If we don't have anyone who can catch it deep, we probably won't throw it deep very often. But before they abandon something that worked so well last year, I hope they try it once or twice with a new guy.

Chin drafted and other links

The Yankees selected Andrew Chin in the 15th round of the MLB Draft. He was the 452nd pick overall. Congrats to Andrew on getting drafted a second time (he was previously drafted out of high school). Chin now needs to decide if he wants to forego his remaining eligibility and sign this summer or complete his college career. Given his injury history, it wouldn't surprise me to see him sign.

UMass announced a 3 pm kickoff for our season opener at Gillette. ESPN3 will carry the game. The Red Sox have night game, so maybe, just maybe, NESN will pick up the ESPN3 feed and distribute it locally. But then again that would make too much sense.

The ACC increased its team payout by $1.2 million. What this means is that BC's major revenues are inline with the sports biggest players. Where we start to fall behind is in ticket revenue and licensing deals.

Tweets of the Week

Can't wait to see what @drewill44 does in the #NFL MT @DanRubenstein: Andre Williams in full Giants uniform and pads pic.twitter.com/QlO4bOILJj

— BC Athletics (@BCSportsNews) May 31, 2014

Great read on Chris Kreider from the @nypost's @NYPost_Brazille to get the Cup underway! http://t.co/NuZrooyk50 pic.twitter.com/N1yYw6oSFK

— BC Hockey (@BCHockeyNews) June 4, 2014

Double the BC: alum @chrisodonnell & BC parent @sdoocy talk sportsmanship on @foxandfriends: http://t.co/dFxvoujQGO pic.twitter.com/LsGvNJtqWV

— Boston College (@BostonCollege) June 3, 2014

#BCEagles hoops, redefining the borders of "New England" RT @BCJimChristian: Happy Monday Eagle fans! #ACC #GoEagles pic.twitter.com/miVyTrffun

— Jack McCluskey (@jack_mccluskey) June 2, 2014

2014 Preview Questions: Where will the the sacks come from?

Don Brown's defensive schemes are designed to pressure QBs and generate sacks. While the whole of the unit still wasn't great, BC's defense did generate a lot of sacks last year. It was a welcome change to the bend but don't break days of old. Year 2 of Don Brown will probably bring even more pressure, however, I have no idea where it will come from.

Here were BC's sack leaders from last year:

Kasim Edebali -- 9.5 sacks
Kevin Pierre-Louis -- 6 sacks
Josh Keyes -- 3.5 sacks
Steele Divitto -- 3 sacks
Steven Daniels -- 3 sacks
Mehdi Abdesmad -- 2 sacks
Kaleb Ramsey -- 2 sacks
Brian Mihalik-- 2 sacks

It is nice to have Keyes, Daniels, Mihalik and (hopefully healthy) Abdesmad back, the two biggest sackers are gone.  Much is expected of true Freshman Harold Landry, but can he match KPL's 6 sacks? Can any of the returning guys double their efforts?

I think Brown will figure something out. I also think last season's total of 36 sacks is reachable, but to do so multiple guys will have to step up and perhaps some of the DBs will have to be involved as a new wrinkle.

Institutional knowledge: McDermott made Director of Ops

Despite ties to the region via pit stops at BU and URI, Jim Christian was a complete outsider to Boston College basketball. He lacked ties to our past players or our history and what works. He helped fill that void by promoting Dan McDermott to Director of Basketball Operations. I applaud the move as McDermott has worked his way up through the program and was well liked by Skinner's staff, Donahue's staff and the Athletic Department. He's the type of guy and now in the type of role, that can help Christian navigate the early days and also help him build on what's worked at BC in the past.

But this isn't a hand-holding job or a hire to keep old-timers happy. McDermott is fairly progressive and was very influential in BC's ill-fated scheduling last year. The schedule -- while a factor in Donahue's undoing -- did involve analytics and a new approach to mastering the selection committees' ever-changing criteria. I am not sure how much influence McDermott will have initially with Christian's schedules or strategy, but you know he will bring a fresh approach.

The Director of Operations doesn't have the same recruiting duties as the other staffers, but McDermott will be involved in gameplanning and active on the bench. I am confident he'll do well and help BC basketball get back to winning consistently.

Predicting Murphy's impact and other links

Transfer QBs are fairly commonplace in college football these days. If the depth chart gets too crowded or the coaching staff changes, QBs look for better fits. A transfer QB is my biggest reason for optimism this season, yet Murphy is only considered the 6th most important transfer QB.

Like Soaring to Glory, I expect a bounce back year from Sean Duggan. He showed flashes his first two years, but was a non-factor last season.

Al Louis-Jean signed a three-year rookie deal with the Bears. Who would have thought he'd get this far in the process?

Incoming Women's Basketball transfer Kailey Edwards originally committed to Erik Johnson when he was still at Denver. Edwards will have to sit out the 2014-15 season.

Sailing placed 4th at the APS National Championship Team Race.

All in on Antoine Mason

It looked like Jim Christian had a clear plan for 2015, but then Antoine Mason became available. BC will get the 5th year's final visit next week and his decision can drastically change BC's outlook for next season. 

I thought next year would be the Hanlan show: with BC's dynamic combo guard handling the ball and being its main scorer. Even when Donahue was here, I advocated an offense where Olivier drove or hit 3s and left the rest of the guys to rebound and play defense. Niagara knows what that offense was like, because they did something similar with Mason last year. I wonder how Mason fits with a team focused on Hanlan. 

Mason knows what's up. He is transferring so he can play at the highest level and so that he can come in carry a team from Day 1. If BC has gotten this far with him in the process, we are likely telling him that the he will score and touch the ball a lot. I have no idea how they are positioning Hanlan to Mason (or vice versa). Maybe things can work if Hanlan serves as the true point and Mason the main scorer. That seems like a waste of Olivier's abilities and efficient scoring. 

Ideally both would score in bunches and BC would be a dangerous team that could cause multiple matchup problems. But even if the pairing is a disaster, getting Mason to commit would be a major coup. He's the best guy available and we are selling him hard. If we land him, it will prove our coaches know how to say just the right thing to the right guys. 

Meter previews the ACC and other links

Meter joined Campus Insider to preview the ACC Football season. Meter likes UNC and expect Willis to pick up the slack after Andre Williams.

Chase Rettig's brother Hayden is leaving LSU and rumored to be interested in BC. If he were to transfer to BC, he would have to sit one season and then have three years of eligibility remaining. I am sure other schools will pop up on his list, but you have to like BC's chances given our thing depth chart and his familiarity with Addazio.

Jim Christian will work with Coaches vs Cancer to host a charity 5k this fall. If you are interested in running, go to BC's site for more information.