Shinskie looks back and other links

I really enjoyed this article on Dave Shinskie. The one-time baseball star is really the forgotten man of the Spaz era. He went from flyer to great hope to promising starter to scapegoat all in two seasons. What's fascinating about the article is Shinskie's maturity and perspective. You would think a guy who arrived in his 20s would have understood the opportunity earlier in his football career. It is clear he loves BC, so I wish him nothing but the best.

Darryl Hicks officially joined Donahue's recruiting class by signing his letter of intent.

BC target Nick Carovillano received an offer from Buffalo.

The Heights uncovered Athletic Department salaries based on BC's tax filings. Nothing remarkable although it does shed light on how long we pay off fired coaches. Think of next year when BC will be paying Bates and Addazio as well as Gene and Spaz.

The ACC named Mikaela Rix and Covie Stanwick to its all conference Lacrosse teams.

Baseball lost to St. John's. Softball beat Hartford.

BC Law student Barrett Wilson-Murphy honored Boston while running the London Marathon.

ESPN up close and other links

As you may have noticed ESPN's Ivan Maisel was on campus this week and produced a bunch of content. The most candid piece was on David Shinskie and it was loaded with quotes that didn't exactly inspire confidence. I find it frustrating that a guy working on his second chance and who is older than Matt Ryan is still struggling with the demands of DIA football. This just confirms what many of us have been hearing. I expect Shinskie to be the starter this fall, but I don't think the staff will have any problem giving him the hook if he falters or shows less than 100% commitment.

The much more uplifting article focused on Herzy's return. It seems like lingering scar tissue will be an issue with his agility, but like Bill McGovern said: "Never bet against that kid." Maisel is also excited to see Herzy and Kuechly on the field together (aren't we all?).

I strongly disagree with Spaz's support for five years of playing time. In fact, I think the current system of four years of play within five years helps BC. We redshirt so many guys that we often benefit from late bloomers going up against younger opponents.

Another strong blog post from WEEI's BC blog, this time with a draft focused feature on Tennant and McLaughlin.

It was a bit under the radar, but the baseball team won the baseball Beanpot.

Our marketing arm, Fenway Sports Group, has new leadership.

Jamie Silva chatted with fans via the projo online.

Charlie Davies is still hoping to make the US's World Cup team.

Back to square one

It looks like the QB depth chart is written in pencil. After narrowing in on Shinskie and Marscovetra last week, Spaz et al must of had a change of heart. How else to explain giving more snaps to Tuggle and Boek in Sunday's scrimmage? One theory is that we'll be running more (including some direct snaps) so having a QB who is a threat to run compliments those strategies. Who knows?

What I don't understand is the urge to lock in on one guy before the season. If no one stood out, why not split time amongst the equals? Although I never want to overlook anyone, Northeastern is not very good. We could split time among three QBs and see who steps up in live action. We could potentially do the same against Kent State. Michigan plans to play three QBs in their opener. Ideally you work out the kinks and are ready to go with one guy by the time we head down to Clemson.

We have one more scrimmage to decipher. But I have a feeling we won't know or understand what's best until after Northeastern.

Reading too much into the first scrimmage

The first scrimmage shouldn't mean much, but Spaz raised expectations a bit by saying that whoever stood out would be the No. 1 quarterback. Of course, no one stood out. So what does it all mean?

-- If you go by the scrimmage results, Boek and Marscovetra had the better night. Both have been good so far this summer too. Yet neither moved the ball much. Tuggle and Shinskie are still clearly in the discussion. Nothing has been determined.

-- The defense is going to be good this year. I know I've just started my previews, but I believe the D will be very good this year and tonight was the another sign of hope. If you remember the D dominated in the scrimmages last year and continued that dominance once the season started.
-- Some of the young talent is ready to step up. In past scrimmages you would see random names pop up and then disappear and never to be heard from again. Yet some of Saturday's names -- like Johnson and Holloway -- have been whispered about enough that you can start predicting big things.

Shinskie makes his ESPN debut and other links

I believe the coaching staff when they say QB competition is open. But they may be tipping their hand a bit by sending David Shinskie on a media tour. Shinskie's story is a good one, but why would BC send him to ESPN if he wasn't expected to do much. (Thanks to Andrew for the link.)

Brandon Robinson is having a good training camp with the Eagles. (Thanks to Justin for the link.)

Surprisingly, BC received 3 votes in the preseason coaches poll.

Raji remains in Green Bay -- unsigned, underappreciated and bored.

Quinton Porter is still the starter in Hamilton.

What I did this summer by David Shinskie

Our newest Eagle David Shinskie got his first real press as an official member of the BC football program. The Herald's take was pretty lighthearted and positive. It seems that the players have predictably started teasing him about his age. Shinskie's getting back into the flow of playing football and looking forward to getting hit again.

Shinskie even seems pretty open about the true difficulties of his new life -- the lifestyle and the classroom. The baseball lifestyle (sleep in, play at night, drink after the game, crash, repeat) and its endless summer vibe is gone. Now Shinskie has to be up and on the field at 6 AM. He also has to adjust to being a student again. The fact that he's sharing these challenges makes me optimistic. Maybe he does have the personality and maturity to make the most of this opportunity.

Outsiders weigh in on BC and other links

Dr. Saturday has done a good job following the BC chaos this season. When it comes to the QB situation, he follow his hunches and predicts that Tuggle will emerge. The Doc is also covering the ACC all week and discussed the growing consensus that Florida State will win the division.

I think our DLine will be better than HD predicts. I also think our offensive line should be the best in the conference.

For some of us, our knowledge of BC history begins with the time we arrive on campus. This piece offers a good glimpse and discussion into BC basketball history. I don't debate the John Austin call, but I don't think the writer gave the '80s guards their due.

More on Chase Rettig.

Minnesota trade Craig Smith to the Clippers.

Jared Dudley was back in Boston for a basketball camp.

Clarifying my Shinskie comment

My earlier comment about Shinskie raised more questions than it answered. When I said "less enthused" about Shinskie it wasn't so much about him. It was more about him being our last-minute savior. Now take this all with a grain of salt given that it is secondhand, and Shinskie has still only been involved with unofficial team workouts. Early word is that he's a good athlete, but certainly football rusty and not necessarily leaps and bounds better than Boek or Tuggle. He has the advantage of age on the other QBs but isn't a Paul Peterson/Chris Weinke studious, mature, boy scout type. Take that for what you will. I have hopes that he blossoms and it clicks (before Labor Day would be nice!). But like I said, my prediction is it will be a big success or a washout. I don't expect some long, drawn out, mediocre four-year career.

Future QBs and other links

I am thankful that Dave Shinskie fell into our laps during a time of need. But when I read stories like this I wonder what any of us can predict out of the situation. I don't get the vibe that Shinskie is a football guy who always longed to get back to the gridiron while toiling in the minors. The way he explains it, it seems like it all just sort of happened to him...he doesn't even know why he was released. Now let's hope his physical and emotional maturity makes the difference. This is his last chance.

Although he has committed to BC, future Eagle Joe Boisture is hitting the camp circuit. He's also showing his competitive side and impressing when among the best QB recruits in the country.

Will Rakim Sanders test the NBA draft waters next year? This writer thinks so.

BC guy Charlie Davies scored a crucial goal as the U.S. advanced in the Confederations Cup. Inserting Davies was the smartest move Bradley has made in the tournament.

Notre Dame fans are already predicting victory for our game in October. When will they learn?

Tony Sanchez drove in the winning run during his professional debut. Check out the notes section of this article to read about Mike Belfiore's signing bonus...so much for the College World Series hurting his MLB value.

Sanchez signability and other links

Tony Sanchez is a great prospect, but it looks like his willingness to sign quickly and play in Pittsburgh factored into their selection. The Pirates had nothing but great things to say about Tony.

I don't think HD realizes that Central Michigan will be a tough game.

More on Shinskie from the Globe and his hometown paper. After my initial giddiness, I've come back down to earth about Shinskie. I don't know if he is the answer, but I do think one of our QBs will be good enough to get us to the postseason.

People are still focusing on Cherilus' inconsistency.

Age is just a number

A few more things about our new Old Man on campus.
-- Shinskie is more than a year older than Matt Ryan. Shinskie DOB May 4,1984. Ryan DOB May 17, 1985.

-- Paul Peterson was only 23 when he first played in 2003. Shinskie will be 25 this season.