As the final seconds ticked down during Saturday’s spring game at Boston College, the score read 42-40. The offense won using a scoring system not based on normal touchdowns, but gave points due to various plays such as sacks and first downs. Of course, not much should be taken out of the final score. As an overview, I will look at each and every position and what general sentiment is about the player’s talent.

Quarterbacks: I was forced to write an entire article last week on the quarterback situation at BC but Saturday seemed to answer many of our problems. As Dave Shinskie got the nod to start the game, he was able to march his offensive group down the field down around the 35 yard line twice but both drives were fruitless in my eyes. After Shinskie, Marscovetra came on and put on a show. I had my doubts about the sophomore from Oakland, NJ and his ability to lead this team, but all doubts flew out the window after a few drives he was able to produce. Most of his throws were on target and his pocket presence was near immaculate. Marscovetra could have vaulted himself into a great position to be the starter for the Eagles this fall. Following him was Chase Rettig. The early enrollee from California looked very solid as a freshman. As a freshman, he did happen to make some freshman mistakes by throwing some interceptions. On the bright side, Rettig’s arm is nearly pro ready. Not to set the expectations too high already, but I will go out on a limb and say this; Boston College has not seen a quarterback throw with such velocity and accuracy to match since Matt Ryan. Hopes for Josh Bordner at quarterback dwindled significantly around the heights after his last performance, but Bordner churned another solid performance to finish off his first spring sessions. Although Bordner still looks very raw at quarterback, observers all over the stadium knew he had the talent to be a real impact player with a few years under his belt.

Running Back: Not being able to see Montell Harris in the backfield play after play like we did last season was kind of eerie, but most fans in the stands shook it off and enjoyed watching a few respectable lightning rods in his place. Sophomore walk-on Mike Javorski broke a few mind blowing runs that had the audience in awe of the 5’7” running back that had the defense in fits. Junior defensive tackle Kaleb Ramsey later marveled at Javorski’s ability to fly right through the defense’s grasp. “He was playing great today. He’s so small so it was really tough trying to catch up with him and get him to go down.” It would be a wonderful story to see Javorski pull some serious playing time this year, but with such a slew of running backs in the stable it may be difficult for him to see live action.
Side note: Harris is not injured, just being preserved. He ended up running six times and catching passes out of the backfield twice before being subjected to the bench. Finch was on the sideline all game supporting his teammates even with his injured knee. Sterlin Phifer was sick according to sources.

Wide Receivers: The senior leadership lost when Rich Gunnell and Justin Jarvis graduated this year creates some problems for the Eagles as they try and pick up the pieces left by the two playmakers. Senior Ryan Lindsey played very well including a spectacular catch from Mike Marscovetra. Sophomore Clyde Lee III picked up six receptions in the offensive win as well. Junior Colin Larmond Jr. did not participate in any activities as he only wore a shirt and shorts the whole game. Have no fear though, with incoming freshmen receivers such as Shakim Phillips, Bobby Swigert, and Alex Amidon, BC should be in a great position to recuperate from the depth chart losses from this past season.

Tight Ends: Accounting for the only touchdown of the afternoon, all fans must take time to tip their hats to the elite hybrids that will bring the Eagles an extra dimension this season. Jordon McMichael caught a 14 yard strike from Marscovetra en route to an inspiring day for the senior. McMichael has been hampered by a hip injury ever since his senior year in high school, but has somehow been able to make one amazing play each year that keeps us coming back for more. Sophomore Chris Pantale had another solid scrimmage and looks to be the starting tight end once again this fall.

Offensive line: Despite giving up a few sacks during the scrimmage, quarterbacks should have been taking their protectors out for a nice dinner Saturday evening. The offensive line without the stud Anthony Castanzo anchoring left tackle played out of their shoes all afternoon. Senior Rich Lapham played very well at right tackle and gave promise for his final season at Chestnut Hill. Thomas Claiborne, another senior that undoubtedly inspires even the most passive fans after each play, played very well today as well. He is a player that any and all linemen look to when they are in search of motivation and guidance during a game sequence.

Defensive Line: I would like to take this moment to confirm something many fans have been wondering all off season. Redshirt Freshman Dillon Quinn is the real deal. Quinn recorded a sack during his time on the field and really clogged the middle extremely well all game. I took the time to watch him exclusively for one play and he did almost everything to perfection. With his intimidating build, seriously watch out for Quinn to step it up big time once he touches turf for the first time during the regular season. Junior Kaleb Ramsey had a very impressive game as well.

Defensive End: The Boston College defensive ends could be compared to the tight ends in various ways, but for Saturday, they were compared because of their stolid play and immense talent. Senior Alex Albright was on top of his form every time he stepped on the field. Keeping himself injury free for his final season could make the Eagles a legitimate contender in the ACC. Sophomore Max Holloway tallied four sacks (led team) and converted end Ifeanyi Momah accounted for two sacks. Momah looked like a big time defensive end during the spring game. After converting from wide receiver to defensive den, expectations are somewhat low this season for Momah, so anything he can give BC is a well received gift.

Linebackers: Sure Mark Herzlich would be an marvelous addition to the line backing corps, but seeing Luke Kuechly and his peers perform the way they did on Saturday was just as sweet. The super sophomore accounted for eight tackles (led team) and has also added on some muscle to compliment his fit build. Often compared to a heat seeking missile, Kuechly was just that and made his presence easily known across the field. Will Thompson was able to play just as well as he looks to come back from a season ending shoulder injury that prevented him from contributing well to his team last season.

Secondary: At halftime, DeLeon Gause received the prestigious Jay McGillis award. The Jay McGillis award was created in memory of an Eagle that played with dedication and grits every play. Gause played like McGillis for much of the game, as he was inches away from intercepting a pass that seemed to be thrown to him. Sophomore Isaac Johnson played a great game as he had five solo tackles. True sophomore Jim Noel also notched five tackles and looks to be a valuable asset for a fledgling secondary.