Tucky to Cincy shows complications when staffers leave

Before this post gets misinterpreted, let me make a few things clear: Ethan Tucky wasn't going to make or break BC in 2017 nor change Addazio's future. I also don't think former Addazio assistant Al Washington is "disloyal" or doing anything wrong. But Tucky is an example of having to sell a kid on BC the program and not the bond he has with his recruiter. The former BC LB got his release and is now officially headed to Cincinnati. 

Tucky to Cincinnati makes sense beyond the Washington connection. It is much closer to home for him. They have a new, young and exciting coach. However, it is not all roses. He will have to sit a year and is changing positions. Despite the Fickell excitement, he is also leaving a Power 5 team for a mid-major. 

BC and Addazio could have made his release conditional and "blocked" Cincinnati, but they did not. Fickell shares an Urban Meyer connection with Addazio and BC doesn't want to make enemies in such a traditionally strong recruiting area for us in Cincinnati. Tucky and the Bearcats also played it the right way. In the article there is no mention of Al Washington nor his prior relationship with Tucky. 

I don't imagine any other current BC kids are going to leave to reunite with Washington. But other kids will leave for various reasons when they are not happy at BC. That is why all coaches need to sell BC first. It is not about the assistant, nor Addazio, nor playing time. It is about playing and going to school at BC. That is all the coach can guarantee. If the kid buys that first, the other unpredictable stuff becomes less important. 

Ethan Tucky transferring

Attrition and transfers are always expected, but I am surprised by the Ethan Tucky news. The Ohio LB has been granted his release by BC and is looking to transfer closer to home. 

Tucky is yet another reminder that predicting who will blossom at BC and who won't is a bit of a crap shoot. He was a highly regarded recruit. He seemed to pick BC for the right reasons. Tucky also had a previous relationship with Jim Reid, making the coordinator change an non issue. Even the early press Tucky received when he got on campus indicated that big things were ahead. Since he redshirted, he will leave BC without ever touching the field. 

I think BC has enough playmakers on Defense, that this won't be an issue. Best of luck to him at his next stop. 

Getting to know Ethan Tucky

Expectations are pretty high for Ethan Tucky. The new LB was a key part of the recruiting class and then when Jim Reid came onboard, he raved about him and explained how badly he wanted Tucky at Iowa. If you're looking for signs that he will contribute early, take this interview as an example. BC would probably not have him sit down for the Q&A if they didn't think he was going to play this season. 

The interview doesn't contain anything groundbreaking or dramatic, but does give some insight into Tucky's personality. It seems like he has a good head on his shoulders and a good model for getting better. Beyond the physical, Tucky also explains the learning curve of college football and the staff's preparation. 

There's plenty of comparisons to Milano and Kuechly. That's a high ceiling, but if he really is in that league, BC can have a dominant defense for years to come. 

Steelers giving Murphy shot at QB and other links

Tyler Murphy may be a QB after all. The Steelers had him under center and throwing passes this week in their OTAs. While still unlikely to make the 53 man roster as a QB, Murphy's rotation at QB may earn him a practice squad spot. Now he gets to throw passes to Shakim Phillips again.

As expected Chris Shaw signed with the Giants and will forego his remaining eligibility. Best of luck to him and hopefully we will see him in the majors soon.

Ethan Tucky sounds like he has a good head on his shoulders.

Big recruiting win for BC

Ohio Linebacker Ethan Tucky committed to BC Sunday night. This is big news and a big win for Addazio and Al Washington. Tucky is one of the more highly ranked BC verbals and held offers from Wisconsin, Kentucky, Iowa and Northwestern. Rivals gives him 4 stars and ranks him the 14th best player in Ohio. 247 only gives him 3 stars, but they have him as the 13th best player in Ohio.

Although he didn't hold an Ohio State offer, there was interest and he's in the heart of Buckeye country. Getting a recruit like this -- with Big Ten offers -- is encouraging since we've somewhat shifted resources from the Midwest to other areas.

Being one of the younger guys on the staff, Al Washington is expected to be a key recruiter, but he's really having a strong season. If this keeps up, we are going to have to worry about other programs coming to poach him.