Eagles landing in the NFL

After all the ups and downs, all we wanted was for Mark Herzlich to have a chance. The New York Giants gave him one. As others have noted, Herzlich is just the latest BC-Giants connection. Multiple teams had interest, so I assume Mark signed with the Giants because of their assurances that he would make the team. I am happy for him and his family and cannot wait to see him make an impact in 2011.

Herzlich wasn't the only undrafted free agent to sign. Alex Albright -- whose injuries kept him from reaching his potential in college -- signed with the Cowboys. This deal surprised me a bit. Rob Ryan kept the 3-4 in Dallas, which leaves me wondering what position Alex will play. I don't know if he has the size to play DE? Can he play LB in the 3-4? I know Albright turned heads in his UFL tryouts, so he probably had options. Let's hope this was the right one.

Rich Lapham signed with Buffalo. Despite my occasional doubts about his potential, Rich's size will always open doors for him. Buffalo may prove to be a good opportunity.

James McCluskey joining the Raiders might be the most interesting signing of the day. After some UFL tryouts, McCluskey was somewhat resigned that the NFL would not happen. And then he got the call. I will stick to my guns that McCluskey can be a perfect NFL FB. He just needs to demonstrate his versatility.

Damik Scafe signed with the Chargers. Like his teammates in this class, Scafe had some real great BC moments, but just couldn't stay healthy.

The path from signee to official member of the final roster is long and treacherous. All of these guys will have to fight hard. I will update the news as it happens.

The new guys aren't the only ones making news. Some veteran Eagles like Matt Hasselbeck and Jamie Silva are looking for new teams. Pro bowler Damien Woody has decided to retire after a great NFL career.

Scouting Report: Richard Lapham

This is my annual attempt at being Mel Kiper or Todd McShay. I'll cover the big names and the likely BC free agent. First up is Rich Lapham

If you went back in time to when each signed on with BC, few would have predicted that Anthony Castonzo would be a first round left tackle while Rich Lapham was hoping to be a late round pick. The heavily hyped Lapham was a three-year starter but never earned any conference honors. He played an important position (RT) but faced injuries and inconsistency. Many of his linemates over the last few years were better college OLineman, but they weren't 6'8 and 315 lbs.

Size is a big reason Lapham will get a second look. He has trouble blocking faster players, but still moves well given his frame and weight. On paper he looks like an NFL lineman.

I never particularly cared for Lapham's play on my second viewings. He was above average in the run game, but not great in pass protection. He seemed to make a mistake or two throughout. His length never seemed to be an asset, but he showed good strength on power moves. Also -- and in a way most damning -- when he went down, I thought his replacement (Cleary) played better.

The good news for him, outside of his size, is that he truly did work in multiple systems. Unlike Castonzo or Claiborne, Lapham did spend time playing OL under TOB. He then slimmed down under Jags for the zone. Then he moved to our mixed scheme under Tranq. His ability to adapt is a good sign. It means he's coachable.

As far as downsides, I don't know if Lapham can play anything aside from Tackle. I also don't know if he has the balance and speed to handle Left Tackle in the NFL.

I don't expect Lapham to get drafted. But I do think he will have multiple teams interested in tryouts and free agent deals.

Hockey beats UMass and other links

The hockey team won their first game of the weekend against UMass. The series concludes Saturday at Conte.

I am a little surprised with the attention Rich Lapham is getting in around NFL draft rooms. I guess his size and agility will always get NFL teams drooling (while ignoring Lapham's shaky consistency).

This is a decent preview of BC basketball from a UVA blog. Saturday is obviously a must win.

HD finally got around to mentioning a BC player in her countdown. Harris should be higher though considering he could become the conference's all time leading rusher next season.

Dustin Pedroia provided some "bulletin board material" for BC's exhibition with the Red Sox.

Congrats to Janna Anctil. The ACC named her the Field Hockey Scholar Athlete of the year.

New recruit and other weekend news

Jarrett Darmstatter is the latest high school player to commit to Spaz. He is listed as a TE/DE. Check out his recruiting profile here.

After starting slow the Basketball team pulled away from St. Mike's en route to a win. It was only an exhibition but you have to like the the balance.

BC bounced back from Friday night's disappointment to beat Northeastern Saturday.

Here is a nice article on Rich Lapham. The Herald also covered BC's bye weekend.

With the way things shook out this weekend, HD sees us bowling in San Fran. I actually agree with her. The only way we will be a better bowl is to win the ACC.

Future opponent UNC just lost their leading rusher to injury.