Wednesday, August 18, 2010

What we submitted as our ballot

As per your comments, we moved GT down (WAY down) from where we originally had them. Moved tOSU up a couple spots as well as Big Red, as per Balk Talk's suggestions.


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Tuesday, August 17, 2010

a DRAFT of our BCDRAFT Blogpoll ballot


This is our first year participating as thankfully the guys over at BCI and Bill over at ATL Eagle apparently didn't piss off the powers that be to put a further ban on BC voters, so we're in. Here is MY preliminary ballot. Wesley still has to weigh in (as do you, our readers!).

Leave your comments below and we'll strongly take them into consideration!
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Tuesday, August 10, 2010

8/10/10 Draft: Plays we're most looking forward to

While BC fans are hoping that the BC OL is able to pave the way for RB Montel Harris to get to 2K yards (that's really their goal!), hoping and wishing for season ending stats isn't really that much fun for fans like ourselves.

We're football starved, and like children awaiting Christmas Day--having visions of sugar plums dancing in our heads--here are the plays we're most looking forward to seeing happen...and happen SOON in 2010!

Edit: Once again, we got a little carried away and drafted a bonus round. Look at that, BCDraft now with 20% more inane banter FREE!

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1W) Quinn packing someones lunch for him

Quinn was a huge recruit and Boston College was going through some transition.. Quinn looked like the guy that stuffed you in your locker when you were a freshmen.. and made sure you stayed there. Quinn stayed with his choice of the Boston College Eagles, and redshirted in 09 to work on mechanics.. Well 2010 is here, and Quinn is still a manimal and hopefully progressed his technique to match his appearance. Quinn has made some viewers depth chart, especially with the uncertainty at DLine, and he impressed during the spring.. I feel Quinn will be playing, regularly, and packing some Offensive Linemans lunch regularly as well.


2M) Herzy’s first slobber knocker

Wesley, I'm also looking forward to seeing Quinn get on the field and show the sheer strength the young man possesses.

For my first pick, I'm going to go with a Herzy Slobber Knocker. For those of you who played football, you're probably pretty familiar with this term. A Slobber Knocker is when you light up a player (typically a QB, RB, TE, WR) and hit him so hard that he shoots snot involuntarily out of his nose as it bubbles as he tries to catch his breath. Gross? Sure, a little bit...but that will--to me--show that Herzy is back to his old antics.


3W) First combined Keeks and Herz hit, causing a helicopter spin

Imagine this.. on one side you’ve got the 2008 ACC defensive player of the year.. you’ve got a man who just beat cancer, and rated one of the best LBs in the game ready to show he still has it, and on the other side, you’ve got boy wonder, ACC defensive rookie of the year, a guy that got the second amount of tackles in the league (158) as a true freshman…

What does that spell?? Lots and lots of Helicopter spins!!!!


4M) First play action deep ball to Larmond, Jr. where he’s got a 15 yard cushion

...from the DB and walks into the endzone. Somehow he always gets incredible separation on the deep balls. I seriously don't know what it is, but Larmond, Jr. has the ability to get past opposing DB's on playaction better than truthfully any BC WR in memory. I frankly don't know what that is, but certainly credit has to be given to Larmond for selling the run enough that he consistently finds himself on an island by himself when the bomb comes in.

This year, teams will undoubtedly try to stop the run first and put the clamps down on Montel by stacking the box and going with single man coverage and 1-Deep safety play. It's going to be up to the QB and WR's to make these teams pay; and we know Larmond can do that. I'm looking for the first play where it's a play action bomb when he's once again the only guy in your TV screen as he catches the pass and waltzes into the endzone.


5W) Claiborne going nuts in the end zone

Mike, he’s deceptively fast that's why, and I keep thinking about the Maryland game where he some how just blasted the db s, maybe its his long stride.

Claiborne going nuts in the end zone and bench pressing the running back of choice
Have you ever seen Claiborne run??? Me either its because it doesn’t happen..he glides, he is the first person behind the RB to congratulate them on getting 6, usually followed by popping them on the head or throwing them into what would appear to be some sort of cheerleading basket-toss..


6M) First KR/PR from Swigert.

Haha, I'm with you on that one, Wesley. Claibs is a fun guy to watch.

For my next one, I'm going with a true freshman I'm really looking forward to watching play for our Eagles, WR/KR/PR Bobby Swigert. I'm by no means a recruiting expert but the film I've watched on this kid doing kick and punt returns is truly outstanding. He's a real athlete that played WR/CB frosh/sophomore years in HS, but as is the case for many athletically talented HS football players, got shifted to QB his junior and senior seasons. He won't be playing behind center for the Eagles, but I think he's got a really good opportunity to make contribution to the BC kick and punt return game right off the bat.

I’ve got a feeling we’re going to see that kid back there returning kicks for the Eagles for many years.


7W) Montel stiff arming someones face as he runs it in for 6

Think about the first time you realized Boston College had something special at Running Back, now I don’t mean good, because I think he showed good very quickly.. I mean Special. And I have to think of the Florida State game in 2008. Not only did he run all over that team in his #41 jersey, but the stiff arm to the grill of the FSU defender was just monumental.. we will see this stiff arm again in 2010, just hide and watch!!

If you have forgotten what that looks like, or just need a friendly reminder, watch this clip, around the 3:15 mark, and also a good demonstration of 3 as well.




8M) Momah dropping into zone coverage

While it's still much up in the air whether or not Momah will play WR, DE, or both (that's what I believe, FWIW--situationally on both sides of the ball), I have to say the more that I think of it, the more I am really looking forward to seeing Momah used in 3rd down passing downs and being dropped into coverage.

Just the thought of a strong, lanky, rangy "DE" that can catch the ball like a WR (well, because he is one), I just can't wait for the first poor QB that checks his reads as the zone blitz comes only to see Momah taking up 75% of his middle reads. That's going to create a very enjoyable "QB craps his pants" moments I'm looking forward to.


9W) Castonzo showing why he is both a Rhodes scholar candidate and a top 10 draft choice

..., and he studiously man-handles opponents D-lines. Think of it.. 6’7” 295, been playing at Tackle since you walked in the door at Boston College and been wearing defenses down all day, and what do you want to do when you “grow up” fight cancer? And you are a bio-chemistry major??

I don’t know if Castonzo is getting into defenses heads by talking quantum physics, but this molecular man is working it, and 2010 doesn’t appear to be any different.


10M) A healthy McCluskey drilling the ball in from 2 yards out

Seriously, good luck stopping that.

I feel this story was somewhat lost in all of the injuries and attrition at the RB spot last year. McCluskey, a former LB that was converted early on in his career to FB is a true bruiser and seemingly next to impossible to stop in short yardage and goal line situations.

While I wholeheartedly enjoy watching Montel stiff a sucker and walk into the endzone, it's also fun to watch a team impose it's will and just shove it down your throat. A healthy McCluskey gives us that option at FB.



11W) Albright, finally getting a chance to display his skill

...and forcing opposing qbs to scamper out of the pocket… all year long.

Alex Albright, has all the size and skill to be a great Defensive End, and when he has been healthy he has been exactly that, but there is where the problem has been.. he hasn’t been able to stay healthy...

I think this year he will, and with his speed, he will force a lot of those pocket passers right out of that pocket to get slapped upside the head by one big AA meeting!


12M) Tranq opening up the playbook a little bit

I'm with you on Albright, Wesley. A player that we both root for and interviewed last season, Albright is one of our most productive pass rushers. It's unfortunate his career has been plagued by injury, but we all hope for a very healthy and fantastic final season by Alex.

For my last selection, I'm going off the field and into the coach's box here: I'd really like to see our OC Gary Tranquil open up the playbook a little bit. I know, and for that matter certainly agree, that last season he had to temper his options given our complete and total inexperience at the QB position, however now both Shinskie and Marsco have a year in the system and should be comfortable with much more of the playbook. I'd like to see us use more of it in 2010.


RECAP:

Wesley drafted: Quinn, Herzy Keeks Heli, Claibs goes nuts, Montel stiff arm, Cazzy, Albright AA meeting
BCMike drafted: Herzy slobberknocker, Larmond, KR by Swigert, Momah zone blitz, McCluskey, Tranq

8-10 Draft: plays we can't wait to see
Wesley: Quinn, Herzy Keeks Heli, Claibs goes nuts, Montel stiff arm, Cazzy, Albright AA meeting
BCMike: Herzy slobberknocker, Larmond, KR by Swigert, Momah zone blitz, McCluskey, Tranq playbook
pollcode.com free polls
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Friday, August 6, 2010

8/6/10 Draft: Non-Starters in 2009 biggest impact in 2010


Every year senior starters graduate and leave holes at their various positions. The mark of any good program is being able to plug those holes with new players that can assume the tasks and responsibilities...sometimes even performing them even better than the players that had them before.

Here we'll look at guys who weren't starters for BC in 2009, but look to be starters and impact guys in 2010. As always, please leave your thoughts an opinions below--except if you're that weird Chinese dude who keeps spamming every BC blog. You can keep your opinions to yourself, Mr. 李蔡文山家榮.

* Please note that Wesley and I agreed that the most obvious and glaring selection for this draft, Mark Herzlich, was removed as we all know what Herzy brings to the table. This draft was more about younger guys getting a chance to step up and step in.

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1M) Nathan Richman, C (last season spot-starter at OG)

Richman saw some time on the O-Line last year, but not in a starting role. He’s impressed many in the offseason including Anthony Castonzo, who said that Richman was “…athletic, strong, and smart…it’s tough to lose with that combination.” Matt Tenant’s departure will certainly hurt the OL as he was the architect of the OL (to borrow from Castonzo again), but Richman’s teammates seem confident in his ability to rise up and lead the O-Line in 2010. He’ll be key as the Eagles will rely heavily on the run to set up the pass this year.



2W) Jonathan Coleman, WR (last season red-shirt)

I am biased, I will admit it, when I heard the background story about Jonathan it really was hard to not root for him. New to the game of football, great but raw talent, just read our story on him a while back and you will definitely see where I am coming from on this. Well opportunity has presented itself for Jonathan, with the loss of several senior Wide Receivers by way of graduation and a year of red shirting. 2010 is prime to see if that great raw talent bears fruit…


3M) Emmet Cleary, OG (last season spot-starter at OG)

Nice call on Coleman for sure. After interviewing him last year on BCDraft, it’s near impossible not to root for the kid. I would have taken him right around here as well.

Cleary has consistently progressed throughout his time at The Heights so it should be of no great surprise who would be the other starting guard complimenting Thomas Claiborne. Cleary did struggle at times, particularly early in the year but again, I feel like he progressed through last season and is ready to become a full fledged starter. There are no questions about Castonzo, Claiborne, or Lapham, so it’s up to the two new guys on the line to make this one the best in the ACC and pave the way for Montel Harris if the Eagles are going to have a special season.



4W) Jim Noel, CB (last season spot usage in nickel packages)

Lets go ahead and put the comparisons out there.. Jim is constantly compared against a taller Marty Bowman.. I’d definitely say that’s a strong compliment.

Playing as a true frosh means something, especially when surrounded by some serious talent in that area last year. Jim also got some serious time on Special Teams.

I see that doing nothing but increasing, Noel’s stock is definitely headed up.


5M) Clyde Lee, WR (last season, spot usage)

Really? Jim Noel? While I like his promise, I don’t think he’ll be taking over any starting CB duties this year. The one CB spot is absolutely DeLeon Gause’s, but the other I feel confident will remain with Donnie Fletcher. Through no rhyme or reason, I’ve always liked Fletcher’s play and I expect big things from him this year as well. I think Noel could be a nickel back again or possibly challenge for the strong safety position, but if I were a betting man I think he gets his first starting job next season when the talented Wes Davis vacates the Free Safety position.

While the pundits like to point out the lack of consistency in the QB position and those more knowledgeable bring up concerns about RB depth and DL pass rush, the biggest loss to me this past season on the BC Eagles team was WR Rich Gunnel. We’re talking about the all-time leader in receptions and yards here, folks. Whenever we needed a big play, Richie was there. Now Larmond, Jr. has big home run potential and I love his upside, but we still need a guy who is going to be shifty and go through the middle and cause havoc. I think Lee – or C-Lee-3 – is just the guy to do it.


6W) Michael Marscovetra, QB (last season, spot usage)

BCMike, don’t get mad when all my choices are golden and you are sitting there scratching your head, I am solid on the Jim Noel call.

And on top of that, I am going with an easy late choice here... Marscovetra. There is a QB controversy going on in Beantown in case you weren’t aware.
I like Marsco, but I am all for whoever deserves the job based on leadership, performance, and results. Marsco excelled in the spring game, but Coach Spaz has definitely let everyone know that the job is Shinskie’s to lose. Regardless of what happens, I expect Marsco to get a decent amount of playing time.


7M) Dominick LeGrande, SS (last season spot usage at LB)

Great call on Marsco there, Wesley. I think we both, as many Eagles fans do, expect there to be quite the QB competition in the near future. If I had to put a number on my guess on who starts by opening day, I’d probably say Shinskie 55%, Marsco 40%, Rettig 5%. If Marsco gets the job out of camp I think you may have well won this round regardless of the other picks!

The other big loss BC had last year was one of my favorite players from the 2009-2010 season: Marcellus “Boomkat” Bowman. Bowman was a huge hitter and a great player that running backs—let alone WR’s—never wanted to go up against. Last season LeGrande filled in and while undersized, did an admirable job helping a LB corps depleted by injury and illness. This year I believe LeGrande will shift back seven yards to his more natural CFB position, Strong Safety. He’s got a nose for the ball and while his speed isn’t very likely going to track down handfuls of interceptions, he’ll contain the short passes and help tremendously in run support.


8W) Nate Freese, K (last season RS)

Boston College’s all time points leader has played four years? Sid Vicious is no longer there for kicks, and as we all have probably seen Quigley’s warm up attempts before games from over 50 yards, the competition is on..

Nate got the opportunity to Red shirt in 2009 to work on his leg strength and accuracy. I am going a bit out on a limb here, but I feel Freese will definitely see some action in 2010


9M) Ifeanyi Momah, DE (last season WR)

You know Wesley, up until recently I would have taken Freese much higher in the draft given how important kicking is to the college football game (as much as we all like to pretend that it’s not), however it looks like the place kicking duties are P Ryan Quigley’s to lose…so this could be a big home run or strikeout pick for you here…we’ll have to wait and see which one it is!

If you’re unfamiliar with Boston College football, you’re probably assuming the above is a typo. It’s not. Ifeanyi Momah was a WR last season that the coaches believed could best help the team on the other side of the ball in 2010. While I had some severe doubts about his ability to succeed in this new role, I have to say I was surprisingly pleased with what I saw in the spring game. Not only does Momah have a quick release off the line—which one would expect from his former position—but to me most impressive was his ability to swat down balls. He had excellent vision to the backfield and very good timing on jumping up to fully utilize his lanky 6’6” frame to bat down numerous passes. How effective he’ll be in actual game situations is still yet to be seen as he clearly lacks the bulk to take on the run, but could turn out to be a highly effective 3rd down pass rusher. Plus—can you imagine the flexibility to zone blitz and drop a 6’6” lanky WR into pass coverage? Could be very fun to watch.


10W) Isaac Johnson, CB (last season, spot start CB)

Momah, good call, excited to see how all that works out, id love to see a lot more sacks than in 2009

With my final choice, gonna go with Isaac Johnson. I think we all remember him most vividly for the last moments of the Wake Forest game last year, when it seemed like stopping the go ahead TD was futile, well inside the 10 IJ stripped the ball from the seasoned Riley Skinner, and secured a very important Eagle victory.
I see IJ getting some more reps this year, and hopefully making some serious impact plays!

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RECAP:

BCMike drafted: Richman, Cleary, Lee, LeGrande, Momah
Wesley drafted: Coleman, Noel, Marsco, Freese, i-J


8-6 Draft: Biggest impact from 09 non starter
BCMike: Richman, Cleary, Lee, LeGrande, Momah
Wesley: Coleman, Noel, Marsco, Freese, i-J
pollcode.com free polls

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Wednesday, August 4, 2010

8/4/10 Draft: Best 10 players from the past 10 years


As GDF has often said, we have enjoyed unparalleled success at The Heights in recent years. While one could argue that there have in fact been brighter spots in the program's history, you'll have a hard time convincing me these past ten years weren't some of the best.

With that in mind, Wesley and I thought of the best players over that periods of time. Sure, it's a lot easier just to draft one position here, but we decided to turn up the challenge meter and allow all players to be drafted for this one. From OT to DT, QB to CB, everyone's fair game.

Check out our most recent draft over on Eagle Insider by clicking here!
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Tuesday, August 3, 2010

BCDraft SPECIAL: Interview with recent commit Max Ricci



BCDraft recently caught up with recent Boston College commit Max Ricci.

Max is a really nice kid and many BC fans are going to be very excited to have him as part of the 2011 recruiting class. Read more about who he models his game after, what his goals for his senior year are as well as what he's shooting to accomplish in his years at The Heights by checking out our interview with him on Eagle Insider.
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