2002 Statistics

written by Dave Bagchi

Head Coach Tom O'Brien wasn't sure if Derrick Knight (5-9, 241) was the right choice as a feature back. 1,432 rushing yards and 12 TDs silenced any critics. Knight also has excellent hands (37 receptions, 2nd on team.) Running mainly from the I-formation, Knight is hard-nosed and can slash through the holes like few bigmen can. He became better and better at making the first man miss, and his improvement will only continue. Backing up Knight is Brokaw, a goal-line specialist with 10 TDs. Brokaw and Knight form a nice one-two punch. Still in the mix is senior RB Horace Dodd. Dodd has been often injured and never fulfilled his potential. But he is big, fast and probably has the most raw talent of the three.

TE Sean Ryan could be the next in line of the great ones BC has produced. The potential has been shown only in glimpses. He improved considerably as a blocker as the season progressed. Considering the Eagles will have a new starting QB and defenses will be keying on the ground game, Ryan will improve by default. Look for BC to throw to him more, especially early in games, so as to force a LB to keep on eye on him and push defenses back on their heels.

Three out of five starting offensive linemen return in Chestnut Hill. Look for sophomore Pat Ross and senior Jeremy Trueblood to step in just fine. This unit had a surprisingly good 2002, allowing only 14 sacks as they opened up the running lanes. Junior guard Chris Snee, senior guard Augie Hoffmann and senior tackle Leo Bell return to form a physical and smart front for the Eagle offense, one of the most experienced in the Big East.

The biggest question mark for BC next year will be at quarterback. Gone to play on Sundays is valuable and durable senior Brian St. Pierre. In to take his place is junior, Quinton Porter. Porter has only thrown 15 passes in real-game action. He is a physical clone of St. Pierre, standing in at 6'4. Their playing style is very similar as well - Porter tends to also be very upright in the pocket with a strong and accurate arm. Porter's physical talents will have to carry him early until he can pick up on the complex BC offensive attack.

It seems every year's glaring offensive weakness is the lack of a speed receiver. This year will be no different. The main reason this offense never seems to reach that next level is there is no threat of the deep ball. Next year, with defenses keying on Derrick Knight, Sean Ryan and the short passing game, this unit must at least keep opponents honest. Especially as newcomer Porter develops confidence with the short throws. Easier said than done. Juniors Grant Adams and Joel Hazard are expected to step in. Hazard is the slightly faster of the two, while Adams is more experienced. Obviously, Hazard (or another designated streaker) needs to stretch defenses early and often.

TB Derrick Knight

written by Dave Bagchi

Defensive coordinator Frank Spaziani sticks to the basics. The Eagles employ 4-3 formations and stick mainly to two-deep zones. The signature of a BC defense is hard-nosed, in-your-face football. Last year, linebackers like Vinny Ciurciu and Josh Ott exemplified this toughness. Ciurciu is gone, but the senior Ott remains. He will be the emotional leader. Look for Ott to be flanked at linebacker by senior Brian Flores (returning starter) and sophomore Ray Henderson. Henderson is a talented, husky linebacker who's potential says he is a surprise upgrade for Spaziani in 2003. The Eagles will have more depth at the LB position with sophomores Ricky Brown and Jon Misiewicz.

Speed is not only the issue with the BC receivers, but with the defense as well. Start with the defensive line that allowed 167 yards rushing per game. Look for the youth movement to take place and an overhaul to be made this off-season by Spaziani and O'Brien. Coaches are excited about 6'6 sophomore Mathias Kiwanuka and his five sacks in limited 2002 playing time. Sophomores Jim Unis and Al Washington should challenge planned senior starters Tom Martin and junior Phillip Mettling. On a positive note, with 7 of the 8 two-deep starters returning, the Eagles will have experience and numerous options to keep the troops fresh late in games.

Boston College will suffer with an inexperienced secondary, painfully losing three of four starters from the nation's 13th ranked pass defense. Sophomore DB Will Blackmon is expected to replace departed Trevor White. Under-sized sophomore starter Larry Lester will join him at the other corner. Size has been a recent problem for BC in the defensive secondary. As the tendency across the nation is the emergence of bigger and faster receivers, players like Miami's Andre Johnson, Stanford's Teyo Johnson and Pittsburgh's Larry Fitzgerald burned the Eagles. White and Lester, the starting cornerbacks were 5'8 and 5'7, respectively. Blackmon, who is 6-0, could finally allow BC to show some man-to-man packages on defense. His thin frame is still a concern, so look for the sophomore to put on 10-15 pounds for a big 2003 campaign. Senior Paul Cook and junior T.J. Stancil will be called upon to replace the departed safeties. Both Cook and Stancil saw limited action in 2002.

CB Larry Lester