Boston College Football Countdown: 96 Days to Go

On this Memorial Day, as we remember the sacrifices of those who gave their lives in the service of this country, let us also celebrate the perfectly American game of football. As of now, we are 96 days from the opening kickoff. That’s more than enough time for you to figure out what you’re going to bring to the tailgate.

Who Wears 96 Now

Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Kaleb Ramsey, DT, grad student

What is particularly disappointing is that Kaleb Ramsey appeared to be on his way to a solid ending to his Boston College football career before he was repeatedly sidelined by injuries. Once upon a time, he was considered an NFL draft prospect for 2013, but that time has come and gone. He continued to fight injuries and, by the end of last season, Ramsey was off the depth chart. He appeared in just two games and made four tackles.

Ramsey graduated with a bachelor’s degree from BC in 2012 and remained on the roster for the 2012 season. He also appeared on the team’s 2013 spring football roster.

Notables Who Wore 96

• Tim Bulman, DL, 2001-04. 2004 team captain; seven-year NFL professional.
• Ryan Burch, FB/LB, 1997-2000. Switched from offense to defense.
• Peter Gray, DT, 1986-89. The Peter Russell Gray ’89 Memorial Football Scholarship given in his name.

96 Days Ago

Boston College football got its first recruit for the 2014 class, RB Marcus Outlow. Since then, he has won a great deal of praise and more offers, but is remaining firm on his commitment.

Era Ending in ’96

While America chose between Bill Clinton and Bob Dole, Boston College football was embroiled in a gambling scandal that shook the program to its core. Coach Dan Henning resigned after the 1996 season with an overall losing record, having handed his successor, Tom O’Brien, a serious mess.

96 On the Ground

Twice last season, the Eagles gained just 96 yards in the rushing game: against Miami and Florida State, both of which were losses. Furthermore, 96 is the number of kick return yards Bryce Jones had in 2012.

On the Ground, ’96

Boston College had some very good running backs in the mid to late 1990s. One of them was Omari Walker, who comes in at eighth all-time on the BC single-season rushing list. In the 1996 campaign, Walker ran for 1,199 yards. His teammate, Mike Cloud, would go on to break the school record two seasons later.

A Dubious Record

Boston College’s program record for opponent points scored was set in 1996 when they allowed 364 points in 12 games, or about 30.3 points per game. Yeesh.

1896, Lest We Forget

Boston College swept Holy Cross and followed that by beating BU in the season finale. Say, whatever happened to the Terriers’ football program?

Drafted in ’96

• Pete Kendall (Seattle Seahawks, 1st round)
• Chris Sullivan (New England Patriots, 4th round)