Dudley traded and other links

Good news for BC fans in D.C.: Jared Dudley is coming to town. Dudley has done many events for BC alumni over the years and I am sure things will be similar in Washington. Plus he will serve as a nice replacement for Paul Pierce.

Another BC guy excited about a trade is Jimmy Hayes. The Massachusetts native is coming home to play for the Bruins.

Anthony Castonzo is now giving cooking tips.

BC pitcher John Nicklas didn't get drafted this June. That has him motivated for a big Senior year. His teammate Justin Dunn is playing in Cape Cod this summer.

UConn (eh) and other links

Maybe I am alone in this, but I don't get the big deal about playing UConn in 2K Classic (Katz | Yahoo). I still hate the Huskies and think a football rivalry would be heated and useful to our schedule. But without Jim Calhoun, I just can't get worked up about UConn. He embodied so much of the bad blood and I just don't have the same animosity for Kevin Ollie. And since they are part of the left behinds in College Basketball, a win doesn't mean as much. Of course we better beat them.

Mike Morrissey had to walk-on at BC. His brother won't have that problem as he is getting a lot of attention (Rivals | Scout). BC is in his final three.

Castonzo and Cherilus are closer than ever in Indy.

Tweets of the Week

Saw our team chaplain today. He referred to this weekend as the Superbowl for the church. Gave me a good chuckle

— Anthony Castonzo (@AnthonyCastonzo) March 28, 2013

Very Blessed #BC17 #CollegeBound instagram.com/p/XTPL25LlFW/

— Myles Willis #12 (@MylesAhead_12) March 26, 2013

We got a point on the road tonight. We are still in 2nd place. Thank you for all the support today. My first start and 90 minutes. Progress

— Charlie Davies (@CharlieDavies9) March 28, 2013

We want our fans to leave saying "I can't wait to go back!" Our "You're No. 1" theme means every single fan is an important part of BCFB.

— Brad Bates (@BCBradBates) March 27, 2013

For all those who went to school in #Boston buzzfeed.com/chackattack/wh… genius

— Luke Russert (@LukeRussert) March 27, 2013

Bravo to all BC performers & special guest @chrisodonnell- on.bc.edu/10yogtv - Spectacular #BC150 concert @ Symphony Hall. #wearebc

— Boston College (@BostonCollege) March 24, 2013

We'll never forget this moment @charliedavies9 RT @brianstraus: Charlie Davies silences the Azteca (via @mls) twitter.com/BrianStraus/st…

— The American Outlaws (@AmericanOutlaws) March 26, 2013

There's no real QB competition and other links

Spring Practice starts this week and the forced narrative is that everyone including Rettig is battling for his job. We don't know that much about Addazio yet, but I know he's not going to totally ruin this season based simply on systems. He can talk about Chase competing, but he and his staff are planning on Rettig being the No. 1 QB next season. He is also passing on assurances to Rettig and the WRs that we will pass the ball and he needs them.

BC also updated the Spring Roster. The big news is that we didn't keep that many potential 5th years. Shinskie is gone and so is Marscovetra. Richardson and Andre Lawrence are not listed either and presumably gone. Kaleb Ramsey is still listed so it looks like he's getting his sixth year. 

The ACC coaches named Ryan Anderson third team all conference. Hanlan made the All Freshman team. 

Jim Irsay says that he has "two tackles that we can win the Super Bowl with." Would it have killed him to throw in a BC reference too with that quote?

More Pats in Alumni and other links

It's not BC but you have to like the idea of more football at Alumni. I am trying to find out more regarding the logistics of the Patriots using Alumni, but on the surface I think it helps BC. BC can sell this to recruits -- "we have a great relationship with the NFL..." and I also think this raises awareness among those Patriot fans that ignore BC.

Anthony Castonzo is working out with his unofficial teammates.

Here is the latest on beer sales at college campuses. BC is not mentioned, but I think this would be a great idea for BC for financial and attendance reasons.

Castonzo, Swords get one last honor and other links

BC named Anthony Castonzo and Carolyn Swords Eagles of the year. The highly decorated and accomplished pair join past winners like Doug Flutie and Matt Ryan.

While most predictions are doom and gloom, this assessment of BC with and without Reggie Jackson is closer to how I feel. We will be better with Reggie, but will surprise people regardless. Jackson has to make his decision this weekend.

Baseball lost to Wake dropping their record to 16-27.

More baseball problems and other links

The baseball team opened a series with UVA Friday and lost the first game 17-0! This is becoming sad. UVA is good, but BC's meager bats are head scratching. I know help is supposedly on the way, but I would hope that the current talent finishes the season strong.

This article and link has a great behind the scenes look at the Castonzo draft party.

Finally TOB's stubbornness pays off for BC as he released Russell Wilson from scholarship. I know BC was 2-1 against Wilson but I still dreaded facing him.

Castonzo is a Colt

With the 22nd pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts selected Anthony Castonzo. Castonzo becomes the 18th BC player taken in a firstround of an NFL Draft.

I don't know Castonzo but seeing BC guys celebrate their Draft always makes me smile. Here's this big kid/young man wiping tears and high fiving his friends and family. It's a really special moment.

As for his potential...I think Indy is a perfect fit. He'll play in a zone and pass heavy scheme. You have to pay attention to Manning, but Castonzo has the experience and smarts to keep up.

I am indifferent to the Colts, but will be rooting for AC to succeed!

Scouting Report: Anthony Castonzo

This is my annual attempt at being Mel Kiper or Todd McShay. I'll cover the big names and the likely BC free agents. Today's profile is Anthony Costanzo.

In a few hours Anthony Castonzo will be a first-round draft pick. The only real questions surrounding his night are: will he be the first offensive lineman selected and which team will draft him. As it has been written repeatedly, Castonzo's path from skinny Ivy League prospect/prep school project to BC cornerstone is one of the many reasons you can't put too much weight into the size and abilities of teenagers. But will Castonzo's transition to the NFL be as smooth as his transition to college?

The pro scouts love Castonzo's footwork and frame. They question his ability to handle power players. I found that somewhat contrary to his actual college experience. If anything Castonzo had challenges with speedy guys. Rarely did he ever get overpowered at the college level, especially by a bullrush on the passer.

An ideal setup would be a team that runs a zone scheme. But we know enough that he can transition to a more diverse scheme.

AC has already grown and bulked up in his time at BC. Can he get much bigger and maintain his mobility? Will he ever get the desired strength the NFL wants? I actually think he will be fine. A track record of hardwork should keep him prepared for whatever comes his way. Any limitations on strength can be somewhat managed with good feet and hands.

Various teams are buzzing about Castonzo. Names like the Lions and Giants come up over and over. I think it would be interesting to see him in Detroit as a bookend with Cherilus. Regardless of where he ends up, OLine U will have another big moment tonight.

Mayock's biggest day and other links

Most of us have watched ESPN's Draft coverage, but don't forget the NFL Network's broadcast. The star of that show is BC's own Mike Mayock. Mayock has spread his wings a bit with game coverage, but he is really at home as a talent evaluator.

Local papers in Illinois are loving the Costanzo story.

Chris Hovan's first post NFL job will be coaching high school football in Florida.

Another Herzy interview.

Thomas Claiborne once seemed like a definite draftee. An inconsistent season combined with some squabaling with the coaches made him much less desirable. Put he still has potential, as you can see from this workout.

Softball's season has been a bit of a letdown. However they have set the school record for HRs in a season.

Recruiting news, UMass Football and other links

Practice is over so recruiting is heating up. As usual we are competing with many other Northeast programs. Dalton Crossan likes BC but still has more of a connection to Rutgers. Sam Grant enjoyed his visit to BC. The prize visitor may have been Tyler O’Connor. The Ohio QB doesn't have an offer, but thinks one is coming from BC.

The UMass to FBS level football news started up again today. The latest report has them joining the MAC and playing games in Foxboro. Most BC fans seem indifferent and are predicting failure. I actually think it is a good play by UMass. They are probably betting on two things: the Big East going Football only and/or the NCAA creating a football playoff. In either scenario they will earn big revenue shares and raise the profile of the school. I also think it is a win-win for BC. We get a local school we can play at a low cost. It raises the profile of college sports in the area and helps local high school football. We shouldn't really fear them on the field or on the recruiting front.

This is a great take on the woes of BC baseball. Most of the blame is pointed at Aoki's subpar recruiting. Hopefully Gambino turns it around quickly.

This is a fair breakdown of the two top OL prospects in the Draft: Anthony Castonzo and Tyron Smith.

Questions regarding Reggie and other links

When Reggie first declared for the Draft I argued that he was a first rounder and would keep his name in the NBA Draft. Now it is not so clear. While I don't know if Reggie is hedging, but NBA folks are split on Reggie to the point where he might not be a first rounder. NBADraftNet.com doesn't even have him among their second rounders in their Mock Draft. Draft Express has him as a late first rounder and only has him as the 34th best prospect. I obviously want Reggie to come back for selfish reasons, but if he is now considered a borderline prospect, wouldn't another year at BC help?

BC blog Around The Res held a Q&A with Gene that touched on a variety of BC fan hot buttons.

The Arizona politicians who were part of the Fiesta Bowl trip to Boston are apologizing for their mistakes.

BC unveiled a new look for BCeagles.com, their Facebook page and an iPhone app. Hopefully they don't forget a revamp of the mobile version of bceagles.com.

Castonzo might fall into the Patriots' lap and serve as a good replacement for Matt Light.

'Canes hammer Baseball and other links

BC lost both parts of a double-header against Miami on Sunday. The first game was ugly. The second was better but had to be called early due to Miami's travel needs. The team has fallen to 10-15 on the season.

Do you watch NFL Matchup? The Executive who breaks down that film really likes Castonzo.

For those of you who get a weekend paper, you may have noticed the Parade All American team. BC commit Kyle Caudill made the second team. What's puzzling is that Ryan Anderson wasn't even mentioned.

Pro Day results and other links

As usual other players from other New England schools were invited. Unfortunately due to the lockout, recent BC guys were not allowed to work out. That was a tough blow for some of the young guys trying to catch on with an NFL team as a free agent.

The knock on Castonzo still seems to be his ability to handle speed rushers. Most scouts project Herzy as a third rounder and have concerns about his speed.

The NFLPA is asking top draft picks not to attend the NFL Draft. This may effect Castanzo. Anthony doesn't seem like a boat rocker, so I predict he will not show up at Radio City.

Holy Cross beat the baseball team. Baseball's record now stands at 8-10.

Even thought BC was in early on Graham Shuler, it still seems like BC is a long shot to land the OL prospect.

Hockey to St. Louis and other links

The good news: BC hockey earned a top seed in the NCAA Tournament. The bad news: it is the No. 1 seed out West. The team will take on 4 seed Colorado College Friday night on ESPNU. The winner of the game takes on the winner of Michigan-Nebrask-Omaha on Saturday. Closer observers of the team and college hockey predicted that BC would be sent west. Although they weren't surprised, they remain disappointed that BC didn't do more to host a regional or end up in New Hampshire. St. Louis doesn't seem that bad to me. No team will truly be home. Of course the distance will keep some of the bandwagon fans from getting involved.

Castonzo and Herzlich's bond continues to grow as they prepare for the NFL. This projection has AC going to the Bears. Would the Bears move on Castonzo (another BC product) after giving up on Beekman? Herzlich is considered a 3rd rounder.

The women's team will take on UVA in the next round of the WNIT.

One of our Donahue's walkons targets just got a few more scholarship offers.

More scouting on Castanzo and other links

This is actually a fairly good assessment of Anthony Castonzo. Handling speed rushers will be his biggest challenge at the next level. But even with the little things he needs to improve, there is no reason he won't go in the first round.

The BC women picked up another ACC win by shutting down Virginia's offense.

BC baseball improved to 2-1 with their win over Tennessee Tech.

BC target Graham Shuler received an offer from Wake Forest this weekend.

I love the California aspect of Donahue's recruiting. It works well on a couple of levels. The guys come together and provide each other with a support system. It hits an area that is deep in talent. And unlike football, I think selling BC to a basketball prospect is easy given that the ACC is still considered the best hoops conference and all these guys want to knock off Duke and Carolina.

HD talks to Rogers and other links

HD posted a Q&A with Kevin Rogers. He was actually pretty candid in that he hasn't had a chance to watch much BC nor does he have any preconceptions about the guys. What I find encouraging is that he plans to adapt to the talent around him and is ready to recruit. Both qualities were lacking with our former OC.

BC Sports Information Director Chris Cameron started a Facebook page that joked about in-game, halftime interviews. I personally find them useless. There are only a handful of coaches who ever say anything interesting. I would much rather see more highlights or analysis at halftime.

We haven't landed a big recruit from out west in many years. Will Davonte Neal change that?

Devin Fuller considers himself a dual threat, Michael Vick type QB. He enjoyed BC's Junior Day and hopes to make a commitment this summer.

Steve Donahue added another Californian to his recruiting class.

BC is recruiting Noor Davis as a Defensive End, while most schools see him as a LB. Maybe the unique position difference will help our case.

If Northeastern and BC keep this up, we are going to need more pucks! Following up on Monday's game, the two teams skated to a wide-open, high scoring tie.

We've known that AC and Herzy were good students, but it was nice to see Richman and Williams join them on the All-ACC Academic Football Team. Castonzo was honored for the fourth time.

The baseball team lost their season opener.

Davies back in the US and other links

Charlie Davies is going to make his US comeback not far from where his 2009 car accident took place. Davies -- who is on loan from French club Sochaux -- signed with D.C. United. While still not 100% Davies should make an impact on the the United squad. I don't know a ton about professional soccer, but I hope that Davies keeps getting better. Before the accident, he was about to become a European star. Let's hope he gets back to soccer's highest level sooner rather than later.

Anthony Castonzo is glad to use this time to focus on football, instead of splitting time with schoolwork.

After her record setting performance, the ACC named Caroline King its Track & Field Performer of the Week.

Draft forecasting and other links

Mike Mayock lists Castonzo as the second best tackle in the draft. That should be enough to be a first rounder.

Massachusetts product Dan Giovacchini is still hoping for a last minute BC scholarship offer.

With all the focus on top prospects, it is important to remember two stars can blossom too.

This is from Donahue's visit to the Dining Halls. I appreciate the effort...but can't help myself from asking "do you think they talked defense?"

Senior Bowl Day 2: Castonzo moves and Herzy impresses

Castonzo did well in his drills today. The coaches moved him to the right side and he had no problems adjusting to his old spot. He also seems has a good handle on the pressure and off the field aspects of the Senior Bowl.

This scout sees Herzlich as on OLB in a 3-4 system. This scout told a writer that Herzy is a perfect combo of instinct and size.