Boston College Eagles
Tom O’Brien has done a solid job putting together a
competitive team in Chestnut Hill and the program could potentially break-through this season if things fall into place. As usual the Eagles offer top-flight line prospects,
a solid quarterback with a few skill players sprinkled in.
Though the quarterback will get the headlines the offensive
line on this team offers more pro-prospects then any other unit. Center Dan
Koppen, a tough, slug-it-out pivot man, plays with intelligence, strength
and a nasty attitude. Impressive is the way he uses blocking angles and body
positioning to wall off opponents or turn defenders out, opening up the middle
for the run. Koppen is not overly athletic nor is he a space eater in the
middle, all of which will push him into the later frames, but he is a solid
center that has a future at the next level. Likewise Marc Parenteau is a
hard-working guard efficient blocking for the run and pass but best in
confined quarters and a borderline late round pick. The best of the bunch
could well be underclassman Chris Snee, a dominant lineman that can play
either guard position. Were he three-inches taller Snee would be a knockout
prospect at tackle as he destroys the opposition, driving defenders off the
line of scrimmage, removing them from the play. Though not a "nimble"
blocker he displays the skill needed to get out ahead and annihilate opposing
linebackers or even block moving laterally. Snee is definitely one to watch for the future. Another solid underclassman on our
radar screen is Sean Ryan, a former defensive lineman slowly turning into
a complete tight end. Ryan is a terrific blocker that easily handles one-on-one
assignments for the run or in pass protection, while also being an efficient
target in the short field. Not a burner or one that’ll make plays in the
defensive backfield, he is a solid contributor for the offense in the short field. Signal caller Brian
St. Pierre is an accurate passer that makes good decisions in the pocket and
does a fine job running the offense. An athletic thrower that easily gets
outside to the outside making positive plays on the move, St. Pierre does a terrific
job leading targets with his passes or placing the deep ball in front of
receivers, letting them run to it. Tough and smart, St. Pierre could move into
the top 90 picks if he comes out of pre-draft events such as the combine or
Senior Bowl displaying any sort of fast ball or arm strength. Receiver Jamal
Burke has a lot of physical skills to be considered at the next level but
must become more involved in the offense and prove next year he can handle the
duties of a number one wide out.
On defense they may not have the same impact or potential,
but still offer a few players to watch. Antonio Garay did a great job
returning from a nkee injury last year to have a productive junior campaign. Garay is a
hard-working defensive end with an excellent head on his shoulders. A former
wrestler, Garay is strong at the point of attack, defeating blocks and is rarely
off his feet. Garay is a left defensive end that can play in either a one or
two-gap system and could even be considered at tackle. He’s not overly
explosive or fast, which will push him down boards a bit and his health and the
pre-draft exam results on the injury suffered in ’00, plus the neck surgery he
recently had, will dictate much of where he ultimately winds up on draft weekend.
Junior Doug Goodwin reminds us a lot of Chris Hovan to this point in his
career; an explosive lineman possessing a lightning quick first step off the
snap and relentless motor. Like Hovan he is also a little undersized (remember,
Hovan was a slim 245-pounds as a sophomore). Playing low with leverage, Goodwin
displays a great burst of closing speed, which enables him to make a lot of
plays up the field. Goodwin is short and stout but can move laterally and will
be effective if placed next to a wide body when he eventually plays at the next level. Ralph
Parent is a solid free safety that does not make mental mistakes and keeps
the action in front of him. If his head is into it (there was some talk he would
leave for the draft last year or even the program altogether, which would’ve
been a disaster) Parent is a serviceable player as is corner Trevor White
should he cut down on lapses.
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