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FS
Jamie Silva |
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2005
Statistics |
Coach:
Tom O'Brien
66-42,
9 years |
2005
Record: 9-3 |
|
at
Brigham Young |
WON
20-3 |
ARMY |
WON
44-7 |
FLORIDA
STATE |
LOST
17-28 |
at
Clemson |
WON
16-13 (OT) |
BALL
STATE |
WON
38-0 |
VIRGINIA |
WON
28-17 |
WAKE
FOREST |
WON
35-30 |
at
Virginia Tech |
LOST
10-30 |
at
North Carolina |
LOST
14-16 |
NC
STATE |
WON
30-10 |
at
Maryland |
WON
31-16 |
MPC
COMPUTERS BOWL |
vs.
Boise State |
WON
27-21 |
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2005
Final Rankings
AP-18, Coaches-17, BCS-21
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2006
Outlook |
Tom
O'Brien doesn't want to hear about
competing for the ACC Title. "We
lost a ton of experience and a lot
of good football players," O'Brien
said. Replacing key losses on the
offensive and defensive lines, at
wide receiver and at linebacker are
foremost in the thoughts of O'Brien,
an old-school coach who likes to downplay
his assets.
The
receiving corps and defensive line
will be under the microscope early,
and the line’s ability to stop
the run should be a good barometer
of this entire team. If B.J. Raji
and Nick Larkin come through with
big seasons, BC could vault into the
top 20 rather easily. But issues on
the DL will keep the Golden Eagles
from being able to balance the entire
defensive effort as the talented back
seven lends itself to stopping the
run and (early) foes will then find
the middle passing game more viable.
The right offensive coordinators will
figure out how to do this (so they
have a chance against FSU). Still,
BC has done an excellent job in grooming
average players to be ready to play
at this conference’s level,
so never expect much of a drop-off
from this very tough team. Assets
of a strong QB unit and RBs who are
competing for playing time should
allow the WRs/passing game to be more
than they/it seem(s). The boys from
Bean Town will have to outscore the
more powerful offenses they encounter,
and they have the wares to do such.
The
early six-game span that brings the
meat of their ACC schedule (along
with non-con BYU) will define how
far BC goes. We hope this team surprises
us by playing smash-mouth on both
sides, but the contrast between the
offensive and defensive efforts won’t
be enough for the Eagles to overcome.
BC will beat teams they should and
lose against the better ones –
few upsets are to be expected. The
ACC Atlantic isn’t that stacked,
so momentum gained in their campaign’s
second half means there is an outside
chance they can take their half and
land in Jacksonville (playing for
the conference championship December
2nd).
Projected
2006 record: 8-4
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BOSTON
COLLEGE
*POWER RATINGS |
Offense |
Defense |
QB
- 3.5 |
DL
- 3.5 |
RB
- 4 |
LB
- 3 |
WR
- 3 |
DB
- 4 |
OL
- 3 |
.. |
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RETURNING
LEADERS |
Passing:
Matt Ryan, 195-121-5, 1514 yds., 8
TD
Rushing: L.V. Whitworth, 189
att., 807 yds., 5 TD
Receiving: Tony Gonzalez, 28
rec., 414 yds., 5 TD
Scoring: Ryan Ohliger, 9-14
FG, 19-20 PAT, 46 pts.
Punting: Johnny Ayers, 62 punts,
41.3 avg.
Kicking: Ryan Ohliger, 9-14
FG, 19-20 PAT, 46 pts.
Tackles: Jamie Silva, 87 tot.,
60 solo
Sacks: Nick Larkin, 6 sacks
Interceptions: Ryan Glasper,
2 for 12 yds.; DeJuan Tribble, 2 for
0 yds.
Kickoff Returns: DeJuan Tribble,
8 ret., 18.8 avg., 0 TD
Punt Returns: DeJuan Tribble,
12 ret., 11.0 avg., 0 TD
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TB
L.V. Whitworth |
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BOSTON
COLLEGE |
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OFFENSE
- 5 |
----RETURNING
STARTERS---- |
DEFENSE
- 7 |
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KEY
LOSSES |
OFFENSE:
Quinton Porter-QB, Paddy Lynch-FB, Will
Blackmon-WR, Larry Lester-WR, Chris
Miller-TE, Jeremy Trueblood-OT, Patrick
Ross-C, William Troost-K |
DEFENSE:
Mathias
Kiwanuka-DE, Alvin Washington-DT, Ricky
Brown-LB, Ray Henderson-LB, Jazzmen
Williams-CB |
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2006
OFFENSE |
Quarterback
Junior Matt Ryan is the clear-cut starter
after excelling late last season. The Eagles
are thrilled with how Ryan handled himself
when put in the fire, and he seems to have
natural playmaking skills and leadership
ability (5-0 as a starter). Ryan has gotten
better with each game/start, so this should
be a breakout year for him. At 6-foot-5,
both Ryan and backup Chris Crane have the
physical ability to dominate at the college
level. Crane is a few steps faster than
Ryan, but Ryan can escape well and gains
ground yards when needed. Head coach Tom
O’Brien just has to keep these two
healthy for this to be the team’s
strongest asset, for the drop off would
be major if not.
Running
Back
The Eagles are excited to have two talented
backs returning. Juniors L.V. Whitworth
and Andre Callender compliment each other
nicely. At 220 pounds, Whitworth has the
size and strength to get the tough yardage
between the tackles while Callender has
the speed and wiggle to break things outside.
Even with all that experience, the Eagles
most talented back is probably sophomore
A.J. Brooks. Brooks is a threat to go the
distance from anywhere on the field. As
he learns to handle the little things like
the blitz pick-ups, he should see more and
more time. Mark Palmer, a 6-3, 245-pound
senior, returns to the starting fullback
slot and provides excellent lead blocking.
The team lacks depth at fullback - plans
to move 207-pound senior J. Survival Ross
from tailback and put a few pounds on him.
This should prove fruitful. BC needs to
get their FBs more touches to keep DLmen/LBs
honest and to open it up more for their
TBs. This unit is stronger than it has been
(ranked 59th in ’05) and should be
able to set up the pass with more success.
Receiver
BC lost a ton of experience outside and
will need several upperclassmen to step
up. Senior Tony Gonzalez has always been
a big play guy, and he will now show more
consistency and better route running to
become the No. 1 option for Ryan. Undersized
junior Kevin Challenger will get the first
crack at the other starting spot. The Montreal-native
has nice speed and movement skills but at
5-foot-9 and just 177 pounds, he needs to
better get off press coverage so as to get
into his routes. Sophomore Brandon Robinson
and senior Taylor Sele are experienced enough
to start if either Gonzalez or Challenger
falters. Robinson and especially Sele bring
more size to the table and either is a nice
slot options. Redshirt freshman Clarence
Megwa and Rich Gunnell will provide the
size coach O’Brien wants and will
see reps due to this. Injuries are further
covered by their most recent recruiting
class (strong WR showing). Developments
of a sound corps will dictate much as to
how far the entire offense can go.
Tight
End
Sophomore Jon Loyte, a massive presence,
will be finally be eligible (transfer from
Vanderbilt) and is the frontrunner to handle
the tight end duties. Obviously, this Gloucester-native
has the size and power to be their dominant
edge blocker, though he needs to develop
a better feel for the passing game. Sophomore
Ryan Purvis has the best snarling skills
and may be the primary target for Ryan coming
off the line, but junior Ryan Thompson has
had more success gaining yards on his few
touches. The Eagles use this position extensively
in their passing game (34 receptions combined
in ’05), so the guy who shows he can
offer the most this way is sure to see action.
Offensive
Line
The Eagles return enough in junior guard
Josh Beekman, (6-8) senior guard James Marten
and (6-7) junior tackle Gosder Cherilus
to give them a semi-gelled unit already.
This trio of 300+-pounders has started every
game for the past two seasons. Beekman and
Marten are maulers who can dominate as straight-line
blockers but will have trouble with quick
first steps and penetration by speedy, undersized
DLmen. Somerville-native Cherilus has the
wingspan to dominate on the outside and
has developed into one of the more underrated
tackles in America. BC's coaches have declared
the other two spots up for grabs, with Kevin
Sheridan (C) and Ty Hall (T) having the
most experience. Sheridan looks like the
best bet inside as he has good technique
and the smarts to handle the line calls.
Soph Ryan Poles is a prototypical right
tackle who will win the battle if he can
stay consistent. Anything could happen here,
so we will let you know as things develop.
OFFENSIVE
BREAKDOWN
The Eagles offense should be tough to stop
as long as the receiving corps holds their
water. Gonzalez has to go from being a nice
secondary target to one of their go-to guys,
and Challenger or Robinson has to develop
into quality options, or their bevy of qualified
youngsters will have to be inserted. QB
Matt Ryan proved what he could down the
stretch last season, and will only get better.
Backup Chris Crane allows BC not to miss
a step if/when he is inserted. Linemen Whitworth
and Callender should form a potentially
dominant push for their potentially potent
rushing attack, but the center to be has
to be as strong or it could impact their
inside attempts. Guard Beekman is a third
team all-American by our standards, so the
nucleus up front should carry most areas
well, regardless. This balanced attack is
hard to stop as it is methodical while also
providing quick-strike ability.
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OG
Josh Beekman
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BOSTON
COLLEGE 2006 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/Key
Players |
OFFENSE |
QB |
Matt
Ryan-Jr (6-5, 221) |
Chris
Crane-So (6-5, 228) |
FB |
Mark
Palmer-Sr (6-3, 245) |
J.
Survival Ross-Sr (6-0, 207) |
TB |
L.V.
Whitworth-Jr (6-0, 220) |
Andre
Callender-Jr (5-11, 204) |
WR |
Kevin
Challenger-Jr (5-9, 177) |
Brandon
Robinson-So (5-11, 191) |
WR |
Tony
Gonzalez-Sr (5-11, 190) |
Taylor
Sele-Sr (6-0, 203) |
TE |
Jon
Loyte-So (6-6, 262) |
Ryan
Purvis-So (6-4, 261)
Trey Koziol-So (6-5, 259) |
OT |
Ryan
Poles-Jr (6-4, 310) |
.. |
OG |
James
Marten-Sr (6-8, 315) |
.. |
C |
Ty
Hall-Jr (6-5, 296) |
Kevin
Sheridan-Jr (6-3, 296) |
OG |
Josh
Beekman-Sr (6-2, 325) |
Tom
Anevski-Jr (6-4, 301) |
OT |
Gosder
Cherilus-Jr (6-7, 320) |
.. |
K |
Ryan
Ohliger-Jr (5-9, 197) |
.. |
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2006
DEFENSE |
Defensive
Line
The line returns starters at tackle in junior
B.J. Raji and end Nick Larkin, but BC lacks
bodies here and will have a very difficult
time in replacing an all-American. Raji
is a 337lb. load inside but seems to lack
stamina and take plays off far too often.
Maybe he needs to lose some pounds, as he
has gained too many seemingly year to year
(started off at 295 as an incoming recruit,
and was 322 in ‘05). Nick Larkin is
an undersized speed rusher who can get mauled
at the point of attack if you can isolate
him in the running game. Both players have
yet to live up to their potential(s). Redshirt
freshmen Nick Rossi (6’6”) and
Austin Giles both have the frames to hold
up at “base” end and compliment
the undersized Larkin, but neither is very
quick. Another faster redshirt freshman,
Canadian-born Brendan Deska, may be the
future, but at just 240 pounds, the Eagles
may not be able to pair him with Larkin
just yet. Sophomore Ron Brace is a load
(343 lbs.) and should be a top-tier run
stuffer inside on early downs while sophomore
Jerry Willette has better movement skills
and will rotate in for passing situations.
The bottom line is there is no clear set
of four yet, and until proven in combat,
this is a marginal group.
Linebacker
Outside, talented junior Brian Toal returns
and will likely be the Eagles' top defensive
playmaker. The rangy Toal (five-star and
No.3 ILB recruit in ‘04 – Rivals.com)
can go sideline to sideline and chase ball
carriers down (4.4 second in the 40). Classmate
Jolonn Dunbar will take over the starting
middle linebacker position. He keys and
diagnoses very well and seems to have a
nose for the football. Another junior, Brockton-native
Tyronne Pruitt, will have the first shot
at the other weakside spot. With his lack
of size, the Eagles will need to keep ex-RB
Pruitt mobile and he will likely become
more of a cover guy underneath. Redshirt
freshman Mike McLaughlin looks like a future
star and if anyone falters, he will be able
to pick up the slack. Two former-DBs have
been bumped into this area, so even a few
injuries (especially if all at once) would
make this corps’ impact lessened,
and with an already shaky DL, run-stopping
would then be iffy.
Defensive
Back
Junior safety Jamie Silva is a big time
playmaker (team’s top tackler) who
brings a thud in run support and can run
all day with receivers in coverage. Sophomore
Paul Anderson has the size to be a dominating
strong safety and played well in limited
action last year. Anderson will step aside
for perennial starter Ryan Glasper when
he returns from injury (hip). Glasper and
Silva compose just about (next to Toal and
Dunbar) the best position tandem on the
entire D. Junior DeJuan Tribble also returns
and is an excellent field corner with great
hips and a feel for zone coverage. Though
a bit small (5’9”), Cincinnati-native
Tribble plays big as a solo tackler (second
on team with 48). Junior Taji Morris and
senior Larry Anam will be battling for “boundary”
corner. Morris is likely the slot guy as
coaches seem a little more comfortable with
Anam, who is taller and faster. Depth is
a question mark with a few experienced DBs
dotting the roster, but injuries here, too,
would be devastating to the overall impact
of the (pass) defense.
DEFENSIVE
BREAKDOWN
It's no longer a given that the Eagles will
have a stifling defense (if they finish
close to No.16 again, most insiders will
plotz). The efforts of all 11 will only
work if they operate as a group, for few
stars inhabit the DL. But with only two
BQ-hurries last campaign, the new group
at least can be better in one statistical
category. Raji and Larkin have been underachievers
to this point in now-departed Kiwanuka's
shadow, and these guys must bust out for
the Eagles to remain anywhere close to a
top-tier group. The linebacking corps will
still be solid with weakside star Toal being
joined by a star-in-the-making Dunbar, but
how much they help out up front will translate
into how solid underneath coverage is. The
starting secondary will remain very productive,
but, like all areas, cannot sustain too
many injuries. Don’t be surprised
to see a 3-4-4 or a 3-3-5 alignment. This
conference is brutal and getting better
each year, and the D looks to be a weak
point in close games against better teams.
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LB
Brian Toal
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BOSTON
COLLEGE 2006 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/Key
Players |
DEFENSE |
DE |
Austin
Giles-Fr (6-3, 283) |
Brendan
Deska-Fr (6-5, 243) |
DT |
Ron
Brace-So (6-3, 343) |
Justin
Bell-Jr (6-3, 316) |
DT |
B.J.
Raji-Jr (6-1, 337) |
Keith
Willis-So (6-1, 266) |
DE |
Nick
Larkin-Jr (6-4, 252) |
Jim
Ramella-So (6-4, 244) |
SLB |
Tyronne
Pruitt-Jr (5-11, 218) |
Kevin
Akins-So (6-2, 205) |
MLB |
Jolonn
Dunbar-Jr (6-1, 224) |
.. |
WLB |
Brian
Toal-Jr (6-1, 238) |
Robert
Francois-So (6-2, 235) |
CB |
DeJuan
Tribble-Jr (5-9, 189) |
Taji
Morris-Jr (5-10, 184) |
CB |
Larry
Anam-Sr (6-0, 192) |
Brad
Mueller-So (5-11, 186) |
SS |
Ryan
Glasper-Sr (6-0, 207) |
Paul
Anderson-So (6-1, 207) |
FS |
Jamie
Silva-Jr (5-11, 205) |
Marcellus
Bowman-Fr (6-1, 194) |
P |
Johnny
Ayers-So (5-11, 179) |
.. |
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2006
SPECIAL TEAMS |
Kicker
The Eagles return junior placekicker Ryan Ohliger
was solid down the stretch last season and may
be one of the nation's best in 2006. He is money
from 40 in, but has yet to match his prep state
record (DE) of 58 yards with even one from 50+.
Being a former-defensive end makes him viable
as a stopper, too (surely one of the reasons BC
allowed only 17 per KR in ’05).
Punter
Johnny Ayers is also back and has good directional
skills. Also on the baseball team (so he is not
at spring drills), this junior is one of the best
at punting away from dangerous returners. Net
results were dismal (ranked 102nd), and with marginal
depth on D, improving this area may prove difficult,
and therefore field position battles could be
lost more often than not.
Return
Game
The Eagles don't lack speed and therefore have
plenty of options here. The top two choices are
Tribble and Callender, and both handled some of
the return duties behind now-departed Blackmon
last season. Tribble is excellent on punts with
a great first step and solid decision-making.
Callender has more strength and should be the
top choice on kick returns, though Tribble will
also get reps there. There are a ton of new guys
who run the 40 in 4.4 seconds who may get time
here – Ryan Lindsey (4.35) and Andre Jones?
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