Preseason Q&A

Great feedback yesterday, appreciate everyone that chipped in.

Total transparency, with the switch over to On3, subheadings are a big thing, so some of the questions and thoughts will be too long to fully put in here, but will do my best.

Anyway, I may not have been a BC fan in the literal sense growing up, but I just sort of enjoyed the college game in general and actually went to Northeastern games mostly. That being said, I distinctly remember always watching them on either ABC or (sometimes?) UPN, particularly the Matt Hasselbeck days. I don’t remember how high the expectations were then or during the Kuechly or Herzlich days (high school-ish range for me), but I was in college during that 2008 season and that’s the last time it feels like the program was truly in the national conversation or even legitimately discussed in these parts.

This year feels like they’re on the cusp of possibly getting back there given the talent on offense and in the secondary, but the schedule could quickly halt those hopeful thoughts.

Getting to your questions and thoughts…

“I am very optimistic! I am expecting/hoping for 8 maybe 9 wins…what do you see as the two deep for the Oline and Dline? When we go with a heavy formation with an extra lineman who is that lineman?”

I’m actually with you on the 8-9 wins. I’ve already said on multiple platforms that the bar should be eight wins minimum, even with the schedule. Between the staff and the fact that there’s legitimate talent and depth at almost every position…it just goes back to consistency. I personally believe the biggest correction that needs to be made is the last five minutes before halves. Momentum often swung the other way last year and you could feel it in the building. Special teams is an obvious one too.

Two deep is tough to get from April since they rotate so many bodies to get guys reps. Training camp is obviously more geared towards the season, so will have a better idea then. It’s more of a teaching time a lot of days during spring ball. I think you’re looking at Jude Bowry, Kevin Cline, Dwayne Allick, Logan Taylor and Jack Funke initially. Guys like Pap Sye, Ryan Mickow, Eryx Daugherty and Mike Crounse could all see time at some point depending on health and productivity. As you all know, I have plenty of confidence in Matt Applebaum’s ability to get that unit in a place to be successful, especially in the run game.

As far as the extra lineman in heavy, literally any of the names I just mentioned, but don’t forget about Merrimack transfer Amir Johnson too.

“I’m neutral. I think the team will be better but the schedule is brutal…worried about both lines and lb but think we’ll be great everywhere else”

Fair on the schedule. Luckily, the really hard games are all at home. It’s now or never for Alumni to become a hard place to play again, not that it was ever Death Valley, but the crowds since I’ve covered the team the last six years have been ‘meh’ at best usually.

Again, I’m confident in the O-line. Defensive line is a fair concern given the losses of Ezeiruaku, Rooks and Horsely, but I think they’re actually going to be better than people think. I believe more than anything coming out of April that Quantayvious Hutchins can be the next ‘guy’ as far as a pass rusher. Kwan Williams, transfer Favor Bate from Merrimack (made a lot of plays in the spring), Edwin Kolenge, Josiah Griffin, big men Owen Stoudmire, Ty Clemons and Sedarius McConnell and another guy who flashed in April, Valpo transfer Onye Nwosisi, just haven’t seen a lot of time in real game action. Given the opportunities now, I think they can do some damage.

“The best bet in all of sports is the BC win total since Spaz. 9-2-1. BC is +105 to go over 5.5 wins. +240 over 6.5. 6 wins is an easy bet. More than six is worth a sprinkle.”

I’d go over, but I get why some wouldn’t.

I’m not just blowing smoke up their ass because I’m there every day, I legitimately think they’re going to be good. It’s been 17 years since that ’08 season. That’s long enough for mediocrity and I think everything’s finally in place. There’s going to be a lot of national eyes on this team early and often because of the schedule and network distribution of games, we’ll know a lot about them rather quickly.

“I am least confident in the DL, LB’s a close second. Most confident in the DB’s. I am trying to be optimistic about this year, however, I see 6-6 on the horizon, with a ceiling of 7 wins.”

Fair until you’re given reason to believe otherwise. LB is by far the biggest question, but I’m optimistic. Daveon Crouch and Jaylen Blackwell are studs. If Blackwell’s good to go then those two are legitimate dogs in a room that desperately needs consistent play. There’s a reason Crouch is one of the guys going to ACC Kickoff next Thursday. Owen McGowan should be healthy too, whether he makes that jump or not that everyone’s expecting, we’ll see. I’m just assuming Jason Hewlett from Michigan comes right in and plays, but obviously we’ll see in camp. Juan Zabal is now a scholarship guy and should play a bigger role. Tim Hays (Concord-Carlisle), Billy Van Pelt, Palaie Faoa could all earn more time. Don’t forget about Vaughn Pemberton too. Seriously. The Ball State transfer RB made plays all over the place when getting LB reps in the spring.

A lot of ifs, but I do think there will be some steadiness there. I also think a few guys step up and earn their role.

“Any word about how BC will directly-or not-increase support for FB with the new rules? Looking at what Vandy/Duke have boosted NIL $$ for FB, has BOB said anything directly about our NIL funds and the direct $$ from BOT and Blake and what he wants and needs to compete. Also what about the improvements to Alumni? Thanks!”

We haven’t spoken with him since the news came down. I’m sure he’ll be asked about it. Exact numbers will never be discussed publicly, at least not in a press conference or interview setting. As far as Alumni that’s more of a Blake or higher up question than an O’Brien question I think. Unless I missed something and they’re already being done, then I’ll certainly take a look while I’m there!

“What about special teams-any real hope-it couldn’t be any worse. How does BOB look at Thurin-6th yr and 2nd with him-must like his coaching or wouldn’t he be gone?”

As far as it can’t be any worse, you’re right. As far as Matt Thurin still being the ST coach, O’Brien values relationships and probably formed a good one with Thurin. I also know that it’s not for lack of effort. There’s several special teams periods throughout every practice. The roof inside certainly doesn’t help, but that’s another discussion.

I believe Andy Quinn will end up being the punter and Liam Connor will at least start the year kicking. The inability to play the field position game at times last year was crippling at times. That aspect has to be better. I’m also hoping the punt return game (face it, kick returns no longer exist) plays a factor too. There’s some very speedy guys on this team that could break one if blocked up well and executed correctly.

“Areas of concern: QB: I think either will be solid – we just need to not have controversy, so they lose confidence. DL: Replacing Ezeiruaku will be no joke. He single handedly won us at least 2 games last year. Horsley is a big loss too. I think we have to blitz more to create the same pressure and that changes the whole defense. Oline – we just lost our 3 best players. Never know how long it takes for them to gel or if 1-2 player’s struggle. Definitely expect a dip. LB: Position has been weak since Hafley. We will be better, but we aren’t back to a strength yet.”

QB: No matter who they go with, they’re fine there.

DL: See above

O-line: See above answer and also, I think people severely underestimate how good Applebaum is. Just listen to Drew and Ozzy when talking about him.

LB: See above

“For some reason, I think BOB will put together a pretty good OL. DL could be the real disaster. Although half the transfers in were on the DL and OL. Lots of 22 and 23 year old guys on the DL. Hoping it’s average because I think the secondary with Jackson back could be pretty good.”

I actually think that’s why they could be good on that D-line. Experience and age matter. Continuity does too of course, but guys that know what it takes to at least go through the daily grind at legitimate programs can transition easier. Secondary should be borderline elite.

“1. What are your answers to the two questions you posed above?
2. Kevin, I must give you credit. You were onto Grayson James earlier than everyone else. Some people gave you crap for it. You stuck by your guns and the events of 2024 proved you right. So, (no pressure) who is the best quarterback this year? If you need more time to evaluate, who is your favorite thus far?
3. Who will Coach O’Brien give the start to at QB in Fordham? Barring injury, will that QB start all the games?
4. How much is BC investing in revenue sharing for all sports? The full $20.5 million?
5. How much is BC investing in revenue sharing for football?”

1. I’d say highly optimistic.

2. Most confident probably QB, RB and WR, least confident LB and TE.

3. Heart says Grayson James, head says Dylan Lonergan based on the spring. Can’t wait to see how it plays out in camp. I’m going to say yes they do start the whole way through. No drama this year. If James didn’t go in the portal after spring ball then he’s obviously not going to cause any problems if Lonergan wins the job. He had every opportunity to leave and hasn’t. Team guy through and through. Not only that, but I’m pretty sure I’ve covered multiple QBs all six years, it’d be nice to cover one starter the whole way through.

4. No clue. To be perfectly honest I’m not even sure who I’d ask or go to just to start asking. Blake rarely, if ever does media.

5. See answer for No. 4. Although, we can ask O’Brien, I just doubt we’d get a full number in an answer. Numbers and injuries are often treated like they were in Foxborough.

“The first time since TOB I have faith in our head coach. He has had success at college and pro.”

Last comment was a positive one so fitting end here. I agree. Don’t underestimate the importance of this staff having a full offseason to truly evaluate everything within the program. Getting started so late last year played a role in the inconsistency. This group has had a full season and offseason to work with each other and O’Brien knows what winning looks like, as does Lawing from their Foxborough days.

Thanks again for all the great responses, we’ll do it again during camp once we have a better idea of how everything looks.