Where is the one that got away?

While we've struggled recruiting Massachusetts players this year, we've cleaned up in Connecticut and in Ohio. Those local kids (or other lay-up recruits) we miss generate plenty of frustration but they happen every year. What's fortunate about our misses though, is that very few have come back to haunt us. When was the last time a great recruit spurned BC and became a star? I can think of a few over the years, but most of the recruits that "got away" had middling careers elsewhere.

Some recent examples of guys who spurned us include Graham Stewart, Arthur Lynch and Joe Boisture. All three committed to BC at one point only to rethink their decisions and go to bigger programs. Stewart washed out at Florida and is now sitting out a transfer year at UConn. Boisture is out of football altogether. Lynch has been a backup at Georgia. He has a chance for a bigger role this season, but so far has not lived up to the hype that surrounded his recruitment. Even with our terrible offense, Chris Pantale has had a much more productive Tight End career.

The closest thing I can think of to a recent recruit who had success elsewhere is Virginia OT Oday Aboushi. But should he even count? He didn't spurn BC. Our admissions office turned him down after he verbaled to BC. Prior to that, you would have to go back to Dorian Bryant. But like Aboushi, his case was less about being seduced by a bigger, flashier program and more about not meeting BC's minimum standards for admissions at one point in time.

Where these guys all over-hyped by the recruiting services? Where they wrong fits at their post-BC choices?  I don't know. I do think a program like BC is probably more patient with players than some of the bigger programs. We won't rush a guy out of the program to free up a scholarship. We prefer to redshirt. And I think the nature of a program -- with good academic support and less of a big school mentality -- keeps kids from falling through the cracks. Every recruit thinks they are going to be a star, so selling them on development and a safety net doesn't sway many, but it should. If anything BC should use a guy like Marcus Grant -- a local kid who left a Big Ten program to come "home" as an example to Massachusetts recruits. Massachusetts kids keep leaving to play at the "highest level." Our counter should be that we will develop them for life and the NFL (the real highest level) and not chew them up and spit them out like a football factory.

I am sure that there will be a guy in the near future who decommits from BC and becomes a star. Or a guy we should have had who leads another team to glory. Right now I am just glad that we have very few regrets  when it comes to old recruits. Our recruiting still has major challenges, but that's one area where things have broken our way.

[Note to commentors: let me know if you think I missed any recruits who "got away."] 

Boisture exlains and other links

Boisture told the Detroit media he really liked BC but the distance and his connection to Michigan State made him change his mind. Blaudschun had some of the same news.

BC didn't waste any time to target another QB recruit.

CFN released their season preview of BC.

Tyrese Rice did not get drafted last night. I'll have more on his next steps this weekend.

Two steps forward, two steps back: Boisture to MSU

Any question as to why we went so hard after Josh Bordner was answered today when Joe Boisture confirmed that he dropped BC and will play for Michigan State. This rumor had been floating for a few days. Toss it up to the fickle nature of high school kids. This happened under TOB. It happened under Jags and will happen to Spaz in the future.

I don't think anyone in the football offices cares about my opinion, but Boisture is a reminder that you have to sell BC for what it is. You cannot sell the coach or the depth chart. Those things might work but they can get kids to your school for the wrong reasons. You have to sell the total package at BC and spend that much more time IDing the right kids for the program. Best of luck to Boisture. I am fine with Bordner.

Another QB joins the fold

A few weeks ago we didn't have enough QBs. Now -- dare I say -- we have too many. BC just received a commitment from another high school QB. Like Boisture, Josh Bordner, is a big, pro-style QB. However, he could end up in another position before his career is over. Regardless, I am all for the "see what sticks" philosophy. Spaz needs to find a solution, so give everyone a shot. The only downside to that strategy is you risk losing the one guy you really want. But at this point, that is a risk worth taking.

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.

Lowered expectations and other links

The Sporting News doesn't think much of our chances this season. Both of their experts see BC taking a major step back this year.

The Globe caught up with our "QB of the future." A few interesting points for those who haven't been following Boisture as intensely as some of us have. He still plans on enrolling in January. The good news about that is that it leaves a much smaller window for another team to poach him. Also, he credits his relationship with Mike Siravo as part of his decision. I think too often fans put all the recruiting focus on the head coach, but in reality, the assistants do much of the bonding and salesmanship.

Quinton Porter seems happy and ready to succeed in the CFL.

Spaz lands first blue chipper

Michigan QB Joe Boisture committed to BC Tuesday. Regardless of how you feel about recruiting, this is nothing but a positive sign for Spaz and BC. Boisture is a big kid with a big arm and had interest from numerous schools. He could have played the waiting game. But instead he's ready to move forward and lock in with our Eagles.

Boisture is much more in the mold of the TOB era QBs. We shouldn't read too much into that though. Tranq used QBs with a variety of styles in his last few stops. Boisture's commitment doesn't mean we are going back to pure pocket passing. It just means that BC can be a player for our prime targets. Now let's hope Boisture starts a flood for the recruiting class of 2010.