Addazio talks Spring Ball and new staffer

In preparation for Spring Practices, Addazio spoke with the media Thursday. He started by making his long-rumored staff changes official. Smith remains coaching DTs. New face Bill Sheridan will take over linebackers and Jim Reid will coach Defensive Ends. Addazio referenced Sheridan's experience as a Coordinator, so perhaps he will take over when Reid retires (if all goes well). There was no mention of Paul Pasqualoni. No "best wishes" or "we'll miss him." Given their history, I thought Addazio might say something. But Addazio seemed a little more subdued and calm in the presser.

He does have a confidence in his roster and depth. As he went through each position group, he kept emphasizing the talent and how excited he is. What I found interesting and hopeful, was Addazio's belief in the the well-roundedness of his offensive skill guys. According to him, gone are the days when a player's presence would signify a certain play like Jett Sweep. It sounds like Dillon will be an every down back too.

Brown remains out as well as names like Allen, Strachan and potentially Max Richardson. Because of their experience, Addazio is not worried about their missed time. Let's hope they all recover and their backups have great springs. 

BC talking up Oline during Spring Ball

Because there are no games and mostly closed practices, we only really learn about Spring Ball from BC. It is up to us -- the BC fans -- to read between the lines based on what BC shares. If you want to read into Thursday's news, Addazio feels pretty good about the Oline.

The Globe had a feature on the OLine and the young guys coming along. BC's own release updated the young Oline in the notes section. Let's hope this is all a good sign. While the Oline improved last year, it still wasn't as strong as the first two years under Addazio. The squad is now his. They are young, but they are all his recruits who have all come up in his system. If BC is going to be good, it will really start up front. 

Reading into Spring Football press

Let's take a break from the basketball confusion and focus on a more fun topic: BC Football! It has been a relatively quiet Spring, so all we are left to do is interpret BC's press. Traditionally guys who BC promote to the media are the ones having good Springs. This week it has been Tyler Murphy and Josh Bordner.

Murphy is more critical since he'll likely begin the season as the starter. As the Herald wrote, he's closer to the prototype QB that Addazio wants. I expect much more running than Rettig did last year. Which is good news since there were so many big holes available for our QBs last year.

Bordner might be a more interesting story. Keeping him around as a WR was an interesting tidbit, but the fact BC is pushing him to the press, confirms the transition is going well. We are thin at a skill positions, so whatever Bordner can do -- either as a possession guy or a deep threat -- will be welcome.

Spring Football news and other links

The Heights and Eagle Action both posted updates on Spring Practices. It sounds like Murphy has a slight edge at QB and Addazio is managing around injuries.

BC also announced the schedule for the Spring Game.

Baseball moved its home opener.

PA Oline prospect Hayden Mahoney recently visited BC and picked up an offer.

BC also has interest in Indiana Line prospect Jared Thomas.

Goals for Spring Ball

BC's official spring practices begin Friday. In a way this year's spring session is more important than last year. In 2013 Addazio was installing a system, but he was also taking over a veteran team and expectations were extremely low. Now he's got to prove last year wasn't a fluke and find some new playmakers. Here are the big issues for the next few weeks.

1. Put Wade and Murphy through the ringer. It might not seem fair to ask two guys who have only been on campus for six weeks to step up, but that is Addazio's reality. While he doesn't have to announce a starter, the staff does need a good idea of what each guy is capable of and who gets the most reps in August.

2. Flush out the guys buried on the roster. There are plenty of Spaz recruits who barely got on the field last year. Come summer they will be competing with 30 new players Addazio brought in. If these guys want to play this fall they need to make an impression now. The end result of spring ball should be a few guys who blossom and a few who decide to transfer.

3. Make adjustments on D. Don Brown's squads usually improve from Year 1 to Year 2. Brown not only needs to replace some talent, but he needs to fix the holes from last year. We generated more pressure, but still allowed way too much yardage and scores. Talent and scheme was an issue, but there were plenty of missed tackles and blown assignments. That can start to change now.

4. Make a big deal of the Spring Game. BC cancelled last year's Spring Game in the wake of the Marathon Bombing. It was the right call at the time. Now is Addazio's chance to restart the Spring Game tradition. Spring Games can be a great tool. They can excite the fanbase and draw in recruits. Yet it has always been an afterthought at BC. Addazio seems committed to new traditions and selling the school. Holding an impactful Spring Game is one more tool to changing the culture of BC football.

Finch finally gone and other thoughts on the first scrimmage

Every time there is a coaching change it is a chance for a player to get a fresh start. With Addazio's desire to run the ball, someone like Duece Finch (who has shown potential but also had a star-crossed career) might have thrived in his final year. Instead, he has left the team. No real reason other than "personal." Let's hope he graduates this spring and finds a good place for himself next year.

As important on Saturday was the team's first scrimmage. The good news is that we still passed the ball! Rettig was efficient and they didn't make him run much. Addazio praised Rettig's progression and thinks he is coming along.  And Rettig seems ready to do whatever the coaches want.

More than anything, sounded like Rettig just wants to win, & it doesn't matter to him what plays are called for who. Taking leadership role.
— Greg Joyce (@GJoyce9) April 6, 2013

Anyone who feared Addazio would try to make Rettig into Tim Tebow can probably rest easy. But it does sound like there will be run-oriented packages for Bordner. In general I hate the two QB system, but I am willing to be patient during the Spring.

The other good news is that the scrimmage was packed with recruits. Addazio is getting guys to check us out. Now it is a matter of closing.

Finally, all reports said the tone and intensity was markedly different. The guys were hitting hard. I don't think that a few hard hitting practices changes a programs (in fact, Spaz had some very physicals practices), but it does sound like the guys are buying in and want to win.

Hockey advances and other links

It wasn't pretty but BC advanced to the next round of the NCAA Tournament by beating Air Force 2-0. BC held the lead from the first period but couldn't build on it. The final goal came late. Both scores came courtesy of Chris Kreider. They take on Minnesota-Duluth Sunday night. That game will be on ESPN U.

BC held its second scrimmage on Saturday. Word is that despite the so-so stats, Rettig looked pretty good. Bordner played well too. The bigger concern remains the lack of depth all over the field.

Baseball split a double-header with Georgia Tech on Saturday. But combined with their win Friday, and the Eagles won their first ACC series of the year.

Finally watch Tyrese Rice nail this full-court shot.

Notes on Saturday Scrimmage

BC held its first scrimmage of the Spring. Because it was a Flynn Fund event, there were plenty of comments and opinions leaked beyond the school's official write up.

-- Despite his absence from the depth chart, Andre Williams did play and looked good.
-- Galik, Ramsey, Naples, Pierre-Louis, Coleman, Rositano, and Vardaro all sat out with various injuries.
-- Rettig was a little off put got the first team snaps. Bordner was next, followed by Shinskie, Marscovetra and Suntrup.
-- The tempo was quick.
-- Tight Ends were used in a variety of ways and there were multiple two-tight end sets.
-- Coach Flip told donors that BC will be adding brick walls around the field.

Hockey wins, Football starts and other links

After hitting a milestone win Friday, Jerry York and his team were back on the ice to get win No. 901. Paul Carey's goal put BC up for good as they swept the weekend series with Merrimack.

Since BC didn't have extra bowl practices, Spaz decided to start Spring Ball earlier. Notes from the first day include a few position changes, Jones and Swigert missing time recovering from surgery, and an update on Okoroha.

The baseball team is off to a surprising start. After beating Coastal Carolina 8-3 on Saturday, the team improved to 3-0. The team is off until their series with UCF next weekend.

Here is a preview of BC-Duke.

The softball team is in Florida and beat St. Louis 5-4.

Themes for Spring Practice

With the start of Spring Practice, I thought it was important to address the issues Spaz and the team will face over the next few weeks.

1. QB competition.
Based on all his interviews, Doug Martin wants QB competition this Spring. It is assumed that Rettig will win the job, but it must be encouraging to the other guys that they have a shot. The biggest beneficiary of the competition will be Josh Bordner. Last season he saw action, but in a limited function. Now he gets a chance to prove he can do more than run. Spring is also a chance for Shinskie or Marscovetra to move back up the depth chart. Finally, Suntrup can prove he is the QB of the future.

2. Installing a new offense.
The good news is that these players are used to starting over on offense. Martin also installed a new offense at New Mexico State last season, so he knows what works and what doesn't. Aside from the QB play, the key is the offensive line. The players need to understand what to do on each play and BC needs to build a solid foundation up front.

3. Replacing Luke Kuechly
You don't really replace a player like Kuechly. What we should all hope that someone shows the potential to be the starting Middle LB. Different players will get turns at the spot. The key will be who shows the ability to cover space and direct the defense. I don't think anything will be decided this spring, but it is a chance to make an impression.

4. Which reserve steps up.
This subplot often sparks a summer of hype on the BC message boards. Inevitably someone will look good, rumors will get out and we'll all watch with bated breath during the Spring Game. Sometimes the spring hero becomes an impact player when the games count. Other times it doesn't carry over. Regardless, fans never get tired of the speculation.

Second scrimmage and other links

While Chase Rettig only completed half of his passes in Saturday's scrimmage, the back ups all put on a good show. We probably won't know who will be the 2nd QB will be until September. Maybe the Spring Game will bolster someone's case.

BC has offered a scholarship to Caleb Azubike, but he sounds like he really likes Tennessee. Blake Thomas has a BC offer and enjoyed his visit, but still seems like he is waiting on bigger names.

BC beat Duke in extra innings on Sunday.

First take on first scrimmage

Hope springs eternal...or something like that. Every year all college football fans try to use Spring Football as a barometer of things to come. I think most BC fans have been over that idea for a while now. But there are some basic questions that can be answered based on the scrimmages. Saturday was Scrimmage No. 1. This is what we learned.

-- Rettig is still the starter. This was expected and he played well against's BC base D. Word is Rettig is taking to Rogers playbook fairly quickly.
-- Shinskie is probably the 2nd QB. No one knows how Shinskie will operate after last season's roller coaster. I hope he isn't pressed into action this fall, but on the bright side, it would leave us with an experienced and strong-armed backup.
-- BC did not run the option. The option was a staple of Rogers's offenses at Syracuse and Notre Dame. It probably doesn't play to BC's strengths and it doesn't look like it will be a factor this year.
-- Rettig was under center. Not only does this show intentions for 2011, having the QB under center also allows BC to sell their offense as "pro style" to pocket passing recruits.

BC's holds its next scrimmage Saturday. If history holds, Spaz will challenge the offense more and bring the defensive pressure...and we will all try to keep from reading too much into it.

Spring Practice Depth Chart

BC released its Spring Depth Chart. Some key names are not listed (Castonzo, Herzy) due to various ailments and issues. Despite those absences, you can derive and learn a few things. Here are a few key takeaways:

-- Momah is still at DE. Some referred to his redshirt year switch as an experiment. Well I think this confirms he will stay on the defensive side.
-- LeGrande is back at Safety. This makes sense, since he was too talented not to see the field more and we have solid depth at LB.
-- Richman seems to have the inside track at Center. Speculation varied on who would move into Tennant's big shoes. Some thought Claiborne might slide over or they would give the job to Spinney. Now it looks like Richman, who played pretty well at G last year, will get the job.
-- We are very thin at DT. Newman, who has been solid at DE, is now an undersized DT. We need to get healthy quickly inside.

What to make of Boek's big break

I hate reading too much into these spring scrimmages, but Codi Boek's continued good play is an interesting storyline. Even though he was switched back to QB prior to practices starting, most felt the QB situation was a two-man race between Tuggle and Davis. Can Boek be in the mix? If he does become the BC QB it will just be the latest in his roller coaster career.

When Boek signed with BC it made for good copy but the coaching staff was very excited about his prospects. A JUCO coach who helped funnel him to BC said he was better than Paul Peterson. Then he arrived on campus and struggled. He had trouble picking up the offense and didn't look like a DIA QB. When I asked Purvis about Davis and Boek at the ACC media days, he spoke highly of Dominique's progress. His nonanswer on Boek spoke volumes. Before official summer practice began Boek was moved to fullback. I felt it was premature. Why give up on kid after only one spring session? Yet everyone I heard from said that getting another Peterson wasn't going to happen. Even during the Crane and Davis struggles, using Boek never seemed like a viable option.

One of the benefits of coaching changes is the clean slate that certain players get from the new staff. Boek would probably still be a fullback if Jags was still around. He may not be the answer but given the way his entire football career has gone, you can never count the kid out.

Scrimmage stuff and other links

BC held its first scrimmage of the spring. New coach, new staff, same storyline. The defense dominated. Dominique Davis struggled. From the few fans that attended, they said BC used mostly no huddle and many of the snaps had the QB under center. I wouldn't read too much into any of this. We have a long way to go until the opener.

CT linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis -- who originally committed under Jags -- is back in the fold.

Rice is now on the preDraft circuit and picked up Most Outstanding Player honors in a Detroit All Star game.

Although we only have three active QBs in the NFL, that is more than most schools. (Thanks to Miinn for the link.)

Win some, lose some: both baseball and softball split doubleheaders Saturday.

Springtime for Spaz

Today marks the beginning of BC's spring practices. The recruiting was a nice first step, but this is where the Spaz era truly begins. The latest news on McLaughlin is somewhat encouraging. But I don't think we can count on him being back for a full season or be at 100% when he returns. Achilles are tricky injuries and can often be long recoveries. His unfortunate injury added a new challenge to Spring but there are plenty of things to do between now and the Spring Game. Here are the main objectives.

1. Learn the offense. Tranquill has taught and installed his offense at multiple stops in his long career. I am sure he has a sound plan on what to introduce and when to introduce it. It helps that crucial holdovers like Day and Sirmans are around to bridge any gaps for the kids. This transition should be much easier than the Bible to Logan switch.

2. Find a QB. Davis, Tuggle and Boek will all get shots to win the job. I don't think we will come out of Spring Practice with a clear QB. However, it will go a long way toward determining the front runner. If we hadn't changed offensive staffs I would bet on Tuggle as the favorite. The new staff hasn't tipped their hand nor really seen any of the guys live, so it is up in the air.

3. Find a linebacker rotation. The McLaughlin injury moved this up the priority list. I think they have to plan as if he won't return. Thompson is considered the next MLB, but I would expect multiple players to get an opportunity. Some of the redshirts showed promise on the scout team and there is a chance one or two DBs might be move to LB too.

4. Learn the new offensive line scheme. This won't be as dramatic as it could have been. Based on his history and work at coaching clinics, Devine uses a zone scheme. How different or what intricacies he uses is unknown. This will also be the fourth position coach for some of these linemen so they are used to change. Either way, OL should be a strength of the team next year.

5. Find a defensive tackle rotation. Raji and Brace will not be easy to replace. But there is talent left. The key will be seeing who steps up. The return of Alex Albright will also make the defensive line better and put less pressure on the Brace-Raji replacements.

First look at the new depth chart

BC released a spring depth chart and prospectus. This can and will change before September, but this snap shot is a good indicator of how things will develop. Here are a few thoughts and points worth noting. Share anything else that surprised you in the comments section:

-- Crane as the clear starter. I believe the staff entered the offseason with an open mind. So far it seems like Crane is stepping up and putting the doubt to rest.
-- Davis ahead of Boek. The JUCO transfer has only been on campus a few weeks, so this isn't too surprising. I also thinks it speaks to Davis' potential and progress.
-- Thomas Claiborne starting at OG. Considering he's only been on this side of the ball for half a season, he's obviously taking to it quickly.
-- Lack of depth at TE and DE. Injuries and graduation have made us thin at a few spots. We need McMichael and Allan Smith to comeback healthy this fall.
-- Toal and Herzy not definite as starters. With the way Spaz rotates, all our LBs will get plenty of snaps. I'm glad we have depth, but Herzy and Toal are two of our best. They should start against Kent State.
-- Mulrooney on offense. We need bodies back there for spring. I wonder if they'll move him back to D once the other freshmen show up.

Musical chairs with the offensive line

The Offensive Line is where Jags made his reputation. Yet last spring a scheme change, a staff change, and replacing a few TOB starters created more confusion than cohesion. Things should be different this spring as the team has a full season in this zone scheme, a full year working with Jack Bicknell Jr and more of Jags recruits moving into the Oline depth chart.

This year Jags had the luxury of keeping one side of his line intact. With Matt Tennant, Clif Ramsey and Anthony Castonzo returning, Jags had his C, RG, and RT. However, reading this Globe article, it looks like he is going to move people out of their respective comforts zones and into new positions. From what Jags outlined, only Tennant would remain in his 2007 position at Center.

Castonzo's potential move from the right side to the left is hardly surprising. The Left Tackle is the most important spot on the line. Castonzo is our most experienced tackle and potentially our most talented, so it makes sense.

Keeping Tennant in place at Center almost makes as much sense as moving Castonzo. Tennant played well last year. His ability to call out protection at the line will be important with a new QB behind him. Also, Tennant is too small to play the other tackle spot.

The welcome news is Jags projecting Rich Lapham as a starter at Right Tackle. The highly-touted New Hampshire product has been somewhat of a disappointment early in his career. His size and style were more suited to TOB's Gigantor philosophy of offensive line recruits. Slimmed down and more polished, perhaps Lapham is ready to fill his potential.

Jags hinted that the guard spots are wide open. Curiously neither he nor the Globe's writer mentioned Clif Ramsey. Last year's starting Right Guard struggled early in the season, but played well in the final four games. I assumed he would be a sure thing at Right Guard and even a potential candidate at Right Tackle. Despite the slight in the article, I predict Ramsey will be starting this fall.

That leaves one true opening -- the other guard. The likely names to fill this slot are Sheil, Richman or Spinney. Or Jags could convert one of the defensive linemen (Rossi?) or consider the recently converted (Claiborne?) for the open position.

This could all change. Just look at these pictures from last fall. Jags was juggling his starting line in August even as the season approached. Regardless of who is where, the line must play better if BC wants to win the division again.