Wes Davis's bright future

As BC fans we tend to project ideal qualities onto our players, even when we don't know them and they might not be deserving. That wasn't necessary with Wes Davis. He's the real deal. He's the type of man who makes BC football what it is.

Last year when the team decided to hold an Uplifting Athletes fundraiser in honor of Mark Herzlich, Wes Davis took the time to write me. He didn't need to. I am just another jerk on the internet (often ripping his coaches and teammates). But Wes decided that getting the message out about the event was more important than who the messenger might be. Having a strong showing for his teammate was more important. Fighting cancer -- in anyway they could -- was important.

His email to me was clear and heartfelt. I was glad to pass along the message. But Wes and the other team leaders behind the Uplifting Athletes showed that they are more than just jocks. They are thoughtful men, mature beyond their years. It was no surprise when Wes was named Captain this season. He's been leading this team long before he had the title.

I am sorry the Wes's career ended prematurely. He was a very good player for four seasons. I am sure he could have made a go of a pro career in the CFL or UFL. But I don't think that really matters. I think Wes has much bigger things ahead of him. The qualities he carries with him translate far beyond the football field.

QBs of the future and other links

Scout continues to improve its BC coverage this time with pieces on our two incoming QBs Josh Bordner and Chase Rettig. With two incoming and four QBs on the roster, I imagine we'll see some more position changes in January.

Wes Davis is the latest guy to sing the praises of Bowman.

Give credit where it is due: Blaudschun is finally treating his blog like a blog and not just a place to put drafts of his Globe stories.

HD admits she might have overlooked a few BC players in her rankings.

Another ACC forecast that has BC at 10 in the conference. I know Rice was a good player, but did these guys not see the other players step up at different moments? What other team has as much returning talent?

If Vitale is saying BC belongs back in the Big East then you know some conference higher ups are actively pushing this agenda. I don't get the media push though. What are they hoping to accomplish? Gene is not looking back. Are they setting the stage for Gene's successor to open talks? Are they hoping BC fans and alumni put pressure on BC to go back? It seems like a lot of wasted effort. (Thanks to Mike for the link.)

As we transition away from a strict zone blocking scheme to more of a hybrid it is interesting to read this recap of the Chow-Carroll issues at USC earlier this decade. Carroll was the one who forced Chow to zone.