2004
Preview By DJ Boyer
football.com
Team MVP: There are not many
defensive linemen in the NCAA today that can control a game
single-handedly but one player that can is 6-7 ½ inch defensive end
Mathias Kiwanuka of Boston College. His large frame makes him
disrupting to the passing game even when he fails to reach the
quarterback, and last year he registered 13 sacks. Kiwanuka has some
very good players around him on the line and the attention he gets
opens things up for them.
Quarterback: The good news for Boston
College is they have a pair of quarterbacks that are capable of
running the offense. The bad news is neither one is going to be an
All-Conference player. I expect the quarterback situation to be a
revolving door all year long between Quinton Porter and Paul
Peterson. Peterson seems to be more efficient and comfortable
running the offense while Porter is the one built like an NFL
quarterback with the basic mechanics to back it up.
Running Back: You don’t exactly just waltz right in and
replace a tailback like Derrick Knight but Boston College has plenty
of young talented backs that are going to try. Jeff Ross is listed
as the starter but the two best running backs on the team look to be
freshmen who have initials for names. L.V. Whitworth and A.J. Brooks
both looked good in the spring and they may get their chance. The
running attack should be the bread and butter for the offense
because the line is built around the running game, this is an
expected occurrence at Boston College.
Wide Receiver/Tight End: I have heard nothing but raves about
the senior combination of Joel Hazard and Grant Adams at receiver
but I just don’t buy it. Both have starting experience but I
expect Boston College to go back to another offensive trademark and
that means utilizing the tight end position. Dave Kashetta is a big
target who is more versatile than teams seem to give him credit for.
When all else fails 5-7 speedster Larry Lester is available for the
home run ball.
Offensive Line: Boston College has the best offensive line in
the Big East you say? Get out of town! Even when Miami was in this
conference Boston College normally rivaled them for best overall
line and that is proven by monster left tackle Jeremy Trueblood. At
6-8 and 315 pounds this junior already has the eye of many NFL
scouts and will continue the Eagles tradition of dominance in the
trenches. The starting line averages 304 pounds in weight and not
one senior is on the line so this could be an even more dominant
force when the 2005 regular season rolls around. There are a pair of
very nice freshman that will provide depth at BC in the form of Ryan
Poles and Gosder Cherilus.
Defensive Line: We know Kiwanuka is a monster and he is the
player that the other teams will constantly be gunning for. If teams
completely forget about fellow defensive end Phillip Mettling they
are going to be in trouble. Mettling has incredible drive and is
hard to push off the line. The defensive tackles will be in and out
of the lineup often as you will see five players getting regular
action in the middle of the defense. Sophomore Justin Bell could be
the star of the future in the middle of the defense.
Linebacker: Josh Ott is gone and he was the emotional leader
of this football team for the last two seasons. The departure of Ott
is one of the reasons why this is the weakest part of the defense
for the Eagles. Not only are the linebackers the weakest part of the
defense, they may be the weakest collective unit in the Big East for
2004. Outside linebacker Ricky Brown is the only one that seems to
be assured of a starting role right now as a few positions remain in
the air.
Secondary: Boston College is set at the cornerback position
with senior Peter Shean and junior Will Blackmon but the safety
spots are a jumbled mess. Look for T.J. Stancil to return at the
free safety position while Jazzmen Williams and Ryan Glasper will
likely platoon at the strong safety spot. The secondary as a whole
is not a physical bunch so again Boston College will be looking for
most the hitting to take place at the line of scrimmage.
Special Teams: Sandro Sciortino is gone at kicker but luckily
for Boston College they have a senior with kicking experience in
Mike Fassel (yes it is Jim’s son). With Matt Stover getting up
there in age maybe Mike’s dad can put in a good word with his new
employer the Baltimore Ravens. Jeff Gomulinski is back at punter and
with Will Blackmon returning kicks these areas all look solid. The
coverage units were near the bottom of the Big East last year but
the coaches say they have improved immensely.
Final Thoughts: This will be the final year for the Eagles in
the Big East before they bolt for the ACC in 2005, a move that will
give the ACC 12 teams and the right to host a conference
Championship Game. This team has a few areas where they need help
and are a question mark but the offensive and defensive lines are so
good that they could end up winning the Big East in 2004.
-- DJ Boyer
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