101 Days of BC Football: Tahj Kimble, #20

At Boston College these days, when you think you have your running backs figured out, you don’t.

For some time, it looked like Montel Harris was going to ride into the sunset in the maroon and gold with a new ACC record to his credit. Instead, he’ll take that final eligibility year to another school, more likely than not. BC also had a talented back in Andre Williams, who became injured and is essentially missing in action. Finally, the Eagles had secured a commitment from another rusher, Akeel Lynch, but he pulled away and took his talents to State College, Pennsylvania.

All this left the door wide-open for Tahj Kimble, the Eagles’ second-string running back behind Rolandan Finch.

The Florida native Kimble, entering his sophomore season on the Heights, had 43 carries last season for 156 yards and a touchdown. He also caught eight passes for 67 yards and a touchdown, and took 17 kick returns for a total of 345 yards. Add it all up and Kimble had the third-most all-purpose yards at BC in 2011.

Kimble injured himself at the spring game in March, resulting in him using crutches afterward. One would hope that this injury has healed since then. Nevertheless, Boston College desperately needs him to stay healthy and contribute for the entire 2012 season. Andre Williams would play a more prominent role at this position, but he’s had injury issues and who knows if they’ll come up again. Aside from that, it’s Finch and Kimble carrying the load, with some inexperienced or unproven players behind them. Simply put, if Williams’ status remains enigmatic, we just don’t have a lot of depth at running back right now. I don’t see Kimble as the starter at this point in time, but he will be needed to take some of the burden away from Finch and/or Williams.