Since entering the ACC, Boston College has been one of the dominant teams in the Atlantic Division of the ACC finishing no worse than tied for 2nd in each of the last four seasons. Results for two of those years were with Tom O’Brien at the helm (tied for 1st, tied for 2nd) and the last two years were produced with a depth chart dominated by players recruited by Coach O’Brien (1st, tied for 1st).
Since the end of last season, it has been a very difficult off-season for the BC program:
–BC fires Coach Jags and hires Frank Spanziani
McLaughlin had 89 tackles last year, four sacks, one interception, five pass breakups and two forced fumbles. He was instrumental in BC’s climb to No. 5 in the nation in total defense and No. 17 in the nation in scoring defense.
McLaughlin’s return for the fall remains in question. If he’s not back, ACC defensive player of the year Mark Herzlich will be the Eagles’ only returning starting linebacker.
–A few weeks ago, it was announced that BC linebacker Mark Herzlich, the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2008, was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma. No decision as far as returning to BC has been made as obviously there are more important things to consider right now. Statefansnation obviously wishes Mark and his family the best for his treatment and his recovery.
“Playing again is a goal,” said Herzlich, who would have been a consensus preseason All-America selection and a top prospect for the 2010 NFL draft. “But from what the doctors say, it isn’t very likely. Once they do the surgery to remove the tumor, it will be pretty damaging to my leg.
—Today, it has been announced that redshirt sophmore Dominique Davis will be transferring. Davis was the projected starting quarterback and the only quarterback on BC’s roster with game experience.
This leaves BC with redshirt freshman Justin Tuggle, JUCO transfer Codi Boek (sophmore) who played fullback last year, and true freshman Michael Marscovetra to battle for the starting position.
The biggest question in Chestnut Hill was who would be the quarterback this fall? Now it has to be either Justin Tuggle or Codi Boek.
Tuggle redshirted the 2008 season. As a senior quarterback at Northview High School, he threw for 1,310 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also ran for 563 yards and six touchdowns while establishing school career records in passing yards and passing touchdowns.
After moving to the fullback position last year, Boek returns to his natural position. Also competing for time will be true freshman Michael Marscovetra, who will join the team in the fall.
One word sums up that group — inexperience. It could be a very long season for Boston College.
BC’s success last year was mostly due to its conference leading defense and some gutsy play calling on offense and special teams that generated points with trick plays. I don’t think there is any doubt that BC’s offense will struggle next season. On defense, BC will have lost its two starting defensive tackles (a 1st and a 2nd round NFL draft pick), two backups on the defensive line, potentially all three starting linebackers (McLaughlin and/or Herzlich could still return), and a starting safety.
BC has been a very strong program for the last decade. However, there are obviously some question marks going forward.
