Lesson from the 2010 New Jersey recruits

NJ.com posted a look back on the state's top recruits from the Class of 2010. The focus of the article was Rutgers, but there is some BC stuff to learn too.

Three of the Top 20 guys enrolled at BC (Shakim Phillips, Steele DiVitto and Jarrett Darmstatter). They were part of Spaz's first full recruiting class. At the time it was encouraging to get three guys out of New Jersey but there was also a "what if" to the Garden State recruiting since we also missed on a few guys at friendly programs (Don Bosco). But with hindsight, it shows this whole group of New Jersey guys was relatively disappointing. Phillips multiple moves kept him from ever reaching the potential of his recruiting ratings. Darmstatter never became a big factor. Of BC's commitments, DiVitto clearly had the best career.

But looking back, not many of the guys in the New Jersey Top 20 exceeded or even met the expectations that came with their rankings. New Jersey is such a critical state for so many programs, so a weak recruiting year can impact teams all over the Northeast.

Overall this is a reminder that recruiting is not always as simple as "get all the best guys" in one area. Successful programs are the ones who are better at identifying talent than the recruiting services. They are also the ones that bring in good class after good class and have multiple regions where they find talent. That way one group that disappoints does not hamper the program long term.

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.

Hoffses interviews Mobley and other links

Eric Hoffses posted an interview with basketball transfer target Matt Mobley. BC is the only major conference team recruiting Mobley right now. He visits BC this weekend.

Shakim Phillips signed a free agent deal with Pittsburgh. Good luck to him.

The Bears claimed former Eagle Chris Pantale off of waivers.

Arizona QB prospect Dylan Wright visited BC. Most services have him as a three star.

Phillips says he's coming back

BC can't talk about it until he's on campus and enrolled, but Shakim Phillips says he is coming back to the Heights.

ICYMI: Spoke with WR Shakim Phillips last night, confirming his return to #BC for his final year of eligibility
— Rich Cirminiello (@RichCirminiello) June 26, 2014

Of course this has been long rumored and highly dependent on Shakim wrapping up his UConn degree this summer. All the various summer sessions at UConn conclude in July and August. As soon as he has his degree, he is eligible for practice at BC.

Wanted: Someone to catch the ball

Due to attrition and lack of talent, BC's needs Wide Receivers. There is some talent among the incoming freshmen, but a freshman is still a freshman. The staff looked for 5th years and even got to the point where they let the current players know that any leads or recommendations on potential WR transfers would be welcome. Nothing of note turned up until reports that a familiar name was back on campus. Phillips would be a nice boost in the arm. He's familiar with Ryan Day and some of the team and showed flashes at UConn when healthy. However, things are never that simple.

Phillips has not graduated according to UConn. For him to be available to play this fall for BC, he needs to finish his degree with UConn this summer. These sort of transfers happen often enough, but Addazio cannot count on Shakim for anything until he is on campus and cleared by the NCAA.

In the meantime expect more 5th year rumors. BC needs help and there should be a few more guys floating around once players graduate this May.

Shakim Phillips gone and other links

Instead of celebrating the good buzz from the ACC Kickoff Day 2, most BC fans were buzzing about the absence of Shakim Phillips and Clyde Lee from the roster. The school is yet to explain their absence, but credible posters are confirming that both are gone. I wasn't expecting much from either this year, but it is a loss none the less. Both had untapped potential. It may have bloomed for both this year. And as much as I would like to throw Spaz under the bus for the departures, this is all too common in college football. Some times good kids just don't fit in certain programs.It's best to move on and fill their spots with quality recruits.

The ACC Media named Montel Harris its Preseason Player of the Year. Kuechly finished 3rd in the voting. While the real award means a lot more, I think the projections reinforce that BC has real talent. Yet the same voters picked us to finish 4th in the division.

Luke Kuechly also spoke with Joe Schad.

This is the most optimistic I've heard Spaz (Spaz starts at the 3:07 mark) with regards to the season.

Here are some talking heads discussing BC's offense. (Of course they predict big things from Phillips.)

Multiple reports are saying Herzy signed with the Ravens, however, Mark says it is still speculation and he'll have news on Tuesday.

Votes for BC in the preseason poll surprised a few writers.

Basketball takes care of business and other links

Facing one of the worst teams in DIA, the basketball team cruised to victory over NJIT. There is little if anything to read into any of this. The real test comes against Clemson this weekend.

BC recruit Shakim Phillips is keeping a diary during his stay at the Army All America game.

This article is sort of all over the place, but it does have a forward looking perspective on our football program.

Remember Joe Boisture? Well this article wonders if he's been coasting on his reputation from the recruiting gurus as opposed to his on field productivity.