Boston College Eagles (2007: Atlantic Division Champs, 11-3 (6-2), lost ACC title game to Virginia Tech, Champs Sports Bowl Champions, No. 10 in final AP Poll, No. 11 in final USA Today Poll)
After an historic season at The Heights, one question looms larger than all of the others for the 2008 BC Eagles: How do you replace Matt Ryan? The answer seems to be, at this point, veteran backup Chris Crane.
The job appears to be the senior's to lose. Dominique Davis, a red-shirt freshman, will most likely be the backup and could provide a change of pace during games, as he possesses better mobility than Crane and could give opposing defenses something else to think about.
Transfer Codi Boek will be the third string, but he did not get many reps in the spring game, so Crane and Davis project to be the focus in this positional battle.
One thing that will help to ease the quarterback transition is the fact that a number of experienced pass catchers will be returning this season. Brandon Robinson leads the returning corps of wide receivers, along with Rich Gunnell, Clarence Megwa, and Justin Jarvis.
Billy Flutie could also see some time, after being used primarily in trick play situations last season. All-ACC tight end Ryan Purvis also returns to provide whoever is at quarterback with a reliable security blanket. Freshman tailback Josh Haden, who enrolled early, will need to become an option out of the backfield, much like Andre Callender was for Ryan last year.
The running game also has some big holes to fill. The Eagles are looking to replace the steady tandem of L.V. Whitworth and Andre Callender. Haden looks to be the front runner to be starting in the opener against Kent State at this point. He enrolled in school early and was able to participate in spring drills.
Size-wise, he is similar to Derrick Knight, as he only stands at 5-8. He is a speedster though and the Eagles hope he can provide a home run threat out of the backfield. Fullback James McCluskey returns for his sophomore year after starting all of last season.
The success of the offense, as has always been the case at Boston College, will rely greatly on the success of the offensive line. The line will be anchored by junior center Matt Tennant, who started every game last season. After starting every game at right tackle as a freshman last year, Anthony Castonzo is projected to move across the line and assume the left tackle position.
Clif Ramsey, the starter at right guard last season, could also be moved to the left side of the line this season. The line will be very youthful, as a number of younger players will battle it out for the remaining two spots. The adjustments of Castonzo and Ramsey along with the integration of 2 new starters will be vital to the success of this unit.
Offensive Summary: Six returning starters
With a lot of experience, the defense looks to be very strong this year and could be depended on to be the anchor for this team while the offense answers some of its questions.
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