Boston College Spring Practice Report: 3/23/17

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Boston College Spring Practice Report: March 23, 2017

Another day in full pads with high intensity for the Eagles

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. – The Boston College football team finished its fifth practice of the spring inside the bubble at Alumni Stadium Thursday morning. The Eagles were on the practice field for just over two hours in full pads.

Defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Jim Reid has been pleased with the progress shown so far this spring for the BC defense. The Eagles tied a school record with 47 sacks in 2016. The only other BC defense to record 47 sacks in one season was in 1994, with Reid as defensive coordinator.

“This spring has been good and we are making a lot of progress,” said Reid. “The younger guys are making good progress and the older guys are elevating their game. It has been extremely competitive and a great atmosphere as guys are flying around the field and it has been fun to watch. I think the players enjoy the tempo of the physical practices we are having.”

With the loss of linebacker Matt Milano to graduation and a potential future in the NFL and not having senior middle linebacker Connor Strachan this spring, it has given Reid the chance for an extended look at several younger players at linebacker. BC returns two starters at the position from last season’s total defense ranked No. 9 nationally in Strachan and senior Ty Schwab.

“It is absolutely vital to build our depth this spring,” Reid continued. “We have got to develop guys this spring like sophomore Max Richardson, junior Sharrieff Grice and junior Kevin Bletzer because those guys did not get a lot of reps last season, though they all did get a lot of reps in the kicking game, so that helps us.”

Reid has also been impressed with the play of several additional linebackers so far this spring. “Jimmy Martin is doing a great job and Ethan Tucky has been tremendous and really stepped up his game and so has Max. John Lamot has done a nice job and the two young guys – Isaiah Miranda and Doug Rodier – couple of times they were forced to come in today because we were down a few guys and they really did a nice job. They are taking advantage of the reps they get.”

Boston College returns to the practice field Saturday morning for spring practice No. 6.

Practice Notes: Junior defensive back Lukas Denis showed great ball skills with his interception in coverage against tight end Tommy Sweeney during Thursday’s practice … junior defensive back Will Harris delivered one of the hardest hits of spring practice with a thunderous hit during a team scrimmage period … Junior wide receiver Elijah Robinson hauled in a long touchdown pass from redshirt freshman quarterback Anthony Brown on a great double-move to get behind the BC secondary. The two Garden State products connected on their first touchdown of the spring.