Expectations high for the Eagles as the 2021 season commences
Jeff Hafley’s team laid a solid foundation last season. Now it’s time to take the next step
By John Sarianides
Expectations are high for Jeff Hafley’s Boston College Eagles as they open fall camp tomorrow.
With several returning starters on both sides of the ball and a favorable schedule, the Eagles are poised to have their best season since 2007.
The return of quarterback Phil Jurkovec is the biggest reason why there is so much optimism surrounding the Eagles. The Notre Dame transfer had quite the first season at the Heights throwing for 2,558 yards and 17 touchdown passes. Jurkovec also rushed for 150 yards on 77 carries and scored three touchdowns.
One of Jurkovec’s top target, Zay Flowers returns. Flowers is one of the top returning receivers in the country. He is a big play threat in a variety of ways. The Eagles top four receivers from last season return. Kobay White also returns after missing last season with an injury. White could make a huge impact as a vertical threat and on perimeter screens.
Tight end Hunter Long needs to be replaced. Long was an integral part of the Eagles passing game and ended up being a third round pick of the Miami Dolphins in April’s draft. Transfer Trae Barry arrives from Jacksonville State. Barry is a big target who can impact a game in a variety of ways especially in the red zone.
David Bailey transferred to Colorado State but the Eagles have plenty of depth at running back with Travis Levy, Pat Garwo and West Virginia transfer Alec Sinkfield. All three will get touches in what should be a balanced offense.
The Eagles also return one of the top offensive lines in the country. Center Alex Lindstrom and guard Zion Johnson lead an offensive line that returns all five starters from the end of last season. It could be the best offensive line in the ACC.
Defensively, the Eagles have to replace Max Richardson and Isaiah McDuffie at linebacker. Vinny DePalma, Nick DeNucci, Kam Arnold and transfer Isaiah Graham Mobley will get the first crack at replacing them.
The Eagles do return return Branden Barlow and Marcus Valdez at defensive end so that should help stabilize a front seven that will be young. Temple transfer Khris Banks could play a big role in terms of stopping the run at defensive tackle.
The secondary will be the strength of the defense. Florida State transfer Jaiden Lars-Woodbey was a five star recruit out of high school. He offers three level versatility and could be a major factor for the Eagles right out of the gate. Woodbry will play opposite strong safety Jahmin Muse but Deon Jones and Mike Palmer will also be in the mix at safety.
Brandon Sebastian and Jason Maitre returns at corner a position that is deep for the Eagles with former safety Josh DeBerry moving over and incoming four star recruit C.J Burton.
The talent and coaching are there. Now it is a matter of the Eagles putting it all together. Expectations for the Boston College Football program haven’t been this high in a long time. Let’s see if they meet them.