Roster Prediction

Just over a little week left until game day. Finally.

Before we get there, The Nest board has asked for a two-deep prediction, but we’re technically not allowed to report on specific ‘ones, twos and threes’ for specific positions (it’s in writing), so I’m going to try and do this somewhat creatively.

With only three (maybe four?) practice days left until a true game week, here’s how I think things look on August 30 around 2:05 in the afternoon:

Quarterbacks

This one’s the easy one since it became official. I still would love to see BC try to do what Harvard did last year and legitimately use both guys regularly, but it’s just not feasible at this level. Dylan Lonergan is no slouch by any means and is only going to get better with more game reps. The skill around him should allow the ball to get out quickly. If not, Grayson James is more than capable of leading the offense, as we saw a year ago once he finally got more game reps.

The best news might be what’s behind both of them in Enzo Arjona. While young, inexperienced and definitely not on the same level yet, it could be a lot worse if God forbid you get to the third string scenario. You never know though, the Dennis Grosel Era wasn’t long ago.

Running backs

There are legitimately no ‘one, two or three’ guys. They’re all good and all bring something different to the table. Turbo Richard is explosive, Jordan McDonald is a bit more physical and Alex Broome can provide a spark at any moment. Turbo probably starts, but in name only. You’re going to see all of them, a lot. Bo MacCormack has popped as a freshman and could get a touch here or there if he continues to deliver in practice, same for CM’s Mekhi Dodd. Don’t forget about Anthony Ferrucci too. Datrell Jones is a guy to watch too, even though he’s listed as a receiver and has worked with them in camp. He’s another dynamic player you can use multiple ways.

Tight ends

Really interesting group. Jeremiah Franklin is old reliable and is setting the tone for newcomer Ty Lockwood, Kaelan Chudzinski and Brady Clough. All of them have had their moments in camp and while it’ll almost certainly be the veteran Franklin out there for the first snap against the Rams, the Eagles could easily throw Lockwood and Chudzinski the ball at any point and have them make plays immediately. There’s a lot of play-making ability and dependability in this room. Hopefully, it’ll translate into the regular season.

Wide receivers

The Big Three has looked really good all summer. Lewis Bond, Reed Harris and Jaedn Skeete don’t have a ‘one, two or three’ label either. They can all create space lined up anywhere on the field, get open against coverage and catch the ball in tight spaces when they need to. Skeete has been the biggest threat in camp of the three and could completely change how teams have to cover Bond and Harris. All three could be your ‘stretch the field’ guy on a given play call, but it’ll probably be Harris more often than not given his size and ability to outmuscle defenders for the ball.

After that, the young kids are going to get an opportunity early and rightfully so. Dawson Pough and Nedrick Boldin Jr. have been really, really good. Luke McLaughlin is in the ‘old reliable’ group with Franklin and should probably see a few more touches. Ismael Zamor has established himself and don’t forget about the speedster VJ Wilkins. Assuming health, he’s automatically in that Top 4, but we haven’t seen a ton of him in camp, which has most likely been on purpose given how good he was in spring ball.

Offensive line

Assuming health, it’s the same as it’s been since we started talking about it in April. A solid veteran group of Jude Bowry, Eryx Daugherty, Dwayne Allick, Logan Taylor and Kevin Cline with plenty of experience and plenty of continuity.

We saw some action for Ryan Mickow, Michael Crounse and Pap Sye when Bowry and Allick missed a little time last week, so those would probably be the next men up if anyone can’t go. Taylor and Bowry have a chance to be some of the best at their positions in the ACC and should be on plenty of draft radars by the time we hit October.

Beyond Allick, center could be a question as both Tommy Matheson and DJ Williams have struggled snapping at times. Jadon LaFontant, Judah Pruitt and Amir Johnson could all see time across the board whether it’s rotations or health related. This is a versatile group, but certainly having that first unit intact is best case scenario.

Defensive line

This group is a lot like the running back group for me. You’re going to see a lot of different guys at any given time. For opening day’s sake, I’m pretty confident it’ll be Sedarius McConnell, Edwin Kolenge, Favor Bate and Quintayvious Hutchins along the front. No real surprises and I think Hutchins is going to put up absurd sack numbers this year. If you’re a fan, keep hoping he flies under the radar. Bate was a beast at Merrimack and is going to open a ton of eyes in the ACC with his abilities both in the run game and in coverage at times.

You’re also going to get heavy doses of guys like Chuck Naaeto – who has seemingly made a play or two every single day in the run game – and Kwan Williams. Josiah Griffin, Jayzen Flint and Jayden Fry could get some opportunities as well.

Linebackers

This might be better than we all thought.

We’re not getting into SAM, WILL, MIKE and all that, but Daveon Crouch is arguably the best defensive player on the team and could be in the running for the ACC’s DPOTY Award when it’s all said and done. Now, after that, Michigan transfer Jason Hewlett Jr. has started to have more of an impact the last handful of practices and is probably going to be relied on heavily in various ways. Owen McGowan was in street clothes for the scrimmage, but Vaughn Pemberton has continued his wild story from spring ball and I honestly believe could get some legitimate run in the middle. Bryce Steele has looked good while Griffin Collins has earned more snaps too. I feel like I’ve written his name down at least once a day.

There’s still some questions and position battles to be won beyond those guys, but I think it’s definitely a deeper and much more athletic room than in recent years past.

Cornerbacks

Elite. Amari Jackson is obviously the top guy and then take your pick at No. 2 and down the line. I think you’ll see Max Tucker opposite of Amari on game day, but you can make a case for Syair Torrence to be that No. 2 given the spring and summer he’s had. Tucker is just Mr. Steady and is now ready for a bigger leadership role as a junior.

Either way, you’ll see a lot of Torrence, Carter Davis, Ashton McShane and Ashton Cunningham. Torrence can play anywhere and both McShane and Cunningham are speedier than people give them credit for. Not only can this whole group cover, but they’re all physical in the run game too. It’s a very, very good group.

Safeties

Omar Thornton has been the defensive MVP of training camp, Cam Martinez is now another year into his BC experience and KP Price has a chance to be an NFL Draft pick if he plays the way he’s capable of playing. All three guys are thumpers in the run game and can cover ground. Thornton has laid some of the bigger hits in camp filling a hole and Martinez adds a punt return dynamic too. Carter Davis could roam around a bit as well. Keep an eye out for local guy Charlie Comella, who came on quick during spring ball and has made some plays here in training camp.

Special teams

Ok, so…I think Luca Lombardo is the first guy to attempt a field goal or an extra point, but that could easily change on the next drive. It’s truly up in the air between him and Liam Connor. As for punting, Andy Quinn appears to be the real deal, but you could see Shamus Florio for different types of punts? We really have no answers until we see how these guys are deployed in a game.

VJ Wilkins should give you an explosive option in the return game, but if it’s not him, it could be Alex Broome, Cam Martinez, Bo MacCormack, KP Price and maybe like four or five other guys. This team does have a lot of speed.

I know this wasn’t the exact two-deep you were all hoping for, but hopefully it gives you a good enough idea of where the depth is at for each position heading into next week. BC is back to practice on Tuesday morning for three straight days again.