8 Under the Radar Players For 2025

As of today (Saturday) we are eight weeks away from opening day against Fordham.

With that in mind (and since I still think it’s a little too early for full position previews), here are eight players that I think could be under the radar playmakers for BC this season:

Syair Torrence (Sophomore, DB)

Syair Torrence was arguably the best defensive back in all of spring ball. Whether it was one-on-one drills or in coverage during team periods, he seemingly always got a hand on the ball or frustrated receivers. Last year, Torrence appeared in eight games last year but has a real chance to make an impact in the secondary this season if he can continue doing what he did in April.

Alex Broome (Redshirt junior, RB)

Back and healthy, Alex Broome has a chance to do some special things in 2025. He showed an incredible burst during spring ball with a few big runs and despite a very deep room, he can be productive as both a pass catcher and a ball carrier. Broome had 50 carries in 2022 and 60 in 2023 before the injury a year ago. He caught 26 balls in 2022, but just eight in 2023. The year off should have him fresh and raring to go this season. He might be the guy I’m most looking forward to watching in camp (aside from VJ Wilkins).

Charlie Comella (Redshirt freshman, DB)

Back to the well with the defensive backs. Getting legitimate time as a redshirt freshman is going to be tough, but Comella made a case for a longer look in training camp with the way he performed in spring ball. The Wellesley native played some safety in April and seemed to make a play a day back there. He was a phenomenal athlete during his time as a Hawk with Xaverian (covered him a bunch) and he could add to that depth on the back end.

Kwan Williams (Senior, DL)

While I genuinely believe that Quintayvious Hutchins could be the main source of replacing the lost production with Ezeiruaku’s departure, there’s obviously going to need to be a collective effort if this D-line is going to be impactful every week. Kwan Williams has a chance to make a name for himself as one of those pieces of the puzzle. Williams has been a depth piece his first three seasons, totaling just 27 tackles (7 last year, 3 solo) without any sacks. Williams is sort of the definition of under the radar right now.

Edwin Kolenge (Redshirt junior, DL)

Much like Williams, Kolenge has just sort of been biding his time on the depth chart, flashing a little bit here and there when given an opportunity. It feels like an ‘all hands on deck’ type of situation heading into camp until the staff figures out who the go-to guys will be. But, even when those decisions are made, depth and rotational pieces are going to be extremely important. Kolenge has 20 tackles, two sacks and forced fumble in three years. Assuming he takes another step, he’s a name to watch out for on that D-line.

Luke McLaughlin (Redshirt senior, WR)

If you’ve read any of my stuff during training camp the last two years, you know this has been a bit of a crusade of mine. It’s not just the No. 83. It’s not just because he’s shorter and white. Luke McLaughlin is a Wes Welker clone, thus making him the ultimate slot receiver and I think he’s finally going to get more playing time this year. He gets open in tight spaces, catches just about everything thrown his way in practice (2 for 17 in game action last year) and most importantly, can be a security blanket for Grayson James or Dylan Lonergan on third down. This receiver room is deep and he won’t start or anything like that, but he absolutely deserves to get more run this season, especially in those third-and-intermediate situations.

Juan Zabal (Redshirt junior, LB)

We all saw the video of Juan getting his scholarship during spring ball in April. That wasn’t by accident. I remember last spring Zabal just stood out as a presence in his No. 54 jersey. He looked like a linebacker should look. Well, he’s clearly earned the trust and respect of the staff with the way he’s practiced for the last two seasons and now, he has every opportunity to be the next Joe Marinaro, except Zabal actually has the size. With so much uncertainty at the position, BC is going to need guys to step up and be productive on a regular basis at that level. Zabal is a prime candidate to be one of those players.

Amari Jackson (Senior, DB)

I know, I know, it’s weird to have a guy of his caliber as an ‘under the radar’ selection, but it’s like people are forgetting Amari Jackson is on the team still. BC is always going to get disrespected nationally when it comes to the ACC pecking order, but the main reason this secondary has a chance to be elite (aside from the depth) is because of Jackson, who is arguably the best DB in the conference when fully healthy. He didn’t participate in spring ball while working his way back, but he should be good to go for training camp in a few weeks. Jackson has 80 total tackles in three years (59 solo) and two interceptions. He had a career year in 2023 (38 tackles, 33 solo, 1 pick six and a PBU) before getting hurt last season. Prior to the injury, Jackson had 21 tackles (13 solo) a pick and five PBUs. Assuming health, he’s as close to lock down as it gets.