OFFICIAL SPRING RELEASE
By: Boston College Official Athletic Site

STRENGTHS: Brian St. Pierre returns at quarterback for his senior year after having a successful first year as a starter. St. Pierre was a unanimous second team All-Big East selection as he passed for 25 touchdowns and 2,016 yards. His 25 TD passes were tied for the second highest single-season total in school history. There are some fundamental things he still has to go back and work on but Brian will be the called upon to be the difference maker. When the Eagles entered spring practice last season, the tight end position was being led by two converted defensive lineman. This year, the position is now a strength for the Eagles as both players Sean Ryan and Frank Misurelli return with experience. "Last year at this time, we did not have anybody with tight end experience," says Head Coach O'Brien. "This year, it's good that Sean and Frank now have a year of tight end experience under their belts. The position should be a strength for us where it was a question mark last year." The offensive line has traditionally been the strength of the Boston College football program and this year should be no exception. The team did lose Colombo, but returns five players who started at least one game on the line in 2001. The Eagles have had a 1,000- yard rusher in each of the past three seasons. Last year, the Eagles were ranked 18th in the nation in rushing yardage. The offensive line played a key role in the team achieving those milestones. Anchoring the line again this season is center Dan Koppen, who earned second team All-Big East honors in 2001 for the second-consecutive year. "We have some very good players coming back on the offensive line and now the question is who are the best five guys," says O'Brien. "Dan Koppen will lead this group, but we need to figure out where we will go personnel- wise from there." Senior Marc Parenteau also earned second team All-Big East.

CONCERNS: The biggest question mark on the entire 2002 Eagle diagnosis is at receiver. The Eagles lose a pair of talented ones from last year's team in Dedrick Dewalt and Ryan Read. The leading returning receiver is senior Jamal Burke, who had 25 receptions for 320 yards and a team-high eight touchdowns last year. He needs to pull some serious weight. The BC backfield takes a hit this year with Green's departure for the National Football League. The Eagles do return depth at the running back position, led by junior Derrick Knight who rushed for 337 yards and one TD last season. Knight had 79 yards in a season- opening win over West Virginia and added 78 yards in a start against eventual-national champion Miami. Knight will be pushed by sophomore Brandon Brokaw, who played in four games last year, and junior Horace Dodd, a transfer from Penn State who practiced with the Eagles last year. "We should have great competition at tailback," says O'Brien. "I don't know if we will come out of the spring with a starting tailback.We may have tailback- by-committee as we play next season."

STRENGTHS:
Three of four starters return in the defensive backfield led by a talented group of senior athletes. The key to defensive success may lie here as some offensive powers make a return to the early schedule. The group had solid numbers in the tackling department although the thought of that strategy can't be too appetizing. Free safety Ralph Parent made 75 tackles last year with one interception: strong safety Doug Bessette was tied as the team's second-leading tackler with 85 stops; and cornerback Trevor White contributed 49 tackles last year. Good competition still remains, especially at the safeties. Just as well, three of four starters are returning on the defensive line. Senior Antonio Garay will be back at one end position while both starting tackles return to anchor the middle. Garay played in eight games last season before a neck injury ended his campaign. He missed spring practice after undergoing surgery to repair the injury. Doug Goodwin has the capability to be a big leader; he needs to assume the role. A lot of players seem to be vying for a spot on the DL playing roster. The positive side of that note is that depth does not seem to be an issue where depth is crucial. The Eagle front wasn't exactly the most intimidating aspect of the 2001 team, but should be capable of holding their ground come Saturdays. Boston College returns both its starting kicker and its starting punter from last season. Senior Kevin McMyler was a second team All-Big East pick as a punter after leading the league in the category with a 43.2-yard average per boot.

CONCERNS: The linebackers are led by senior Clemson transfer, Vinny Ciurciu, who returns after leading the Eagles in tackles last fall. The graduation of Scott Bradley leaves a hole on the strong side and coaches will have to make some position changes to square up the unit. Coach Tom O'Brien tends to stress the need for a good group when it comes to evaluating success, which is probably why folks saw so many other players converting over from previous experience at other spots. The transition of new players are going to cause some adjustment problems to start, at least until a few of them gather some much needed playing experience. Some look at the movement on the depth charts and see it as a refreshing opportunity. That could change fast if the solutions are not positive. Pointing out a concern on defense isn't easy, as a majority of the kids coming back have put in the time. The defense is lacking just one major impact player with a five star rating. You won't see too many names listed for All-American consideration on this side of the ball. Good team execution will have to be the difference.