Boston College Football Countdown: 48 Days to Go
By Joe Micik
48 days remain before the next Boston College Eagles football season. The numbers 4-8 had unfortunate significance in 2011 (but ended up looking good in 2012), and we certainly hope for something better this time.
Who Wears 48 Now
Nick Lifka, DL, sophomore
Jake Wilhelm, K, redshirt freshman
We have a double-dip at #48, at least according to the spring football roster. First, Nick Lifka, a sophomore defensive lineman from Illinois. He was a 2011 recruit who redshirted that first season. Lifka made his Eagles debut in 2012, getting into four games. He was a three-star recruit with a long offer list according to Rivals, as well as the 21st-best recruit in Illinois that year.
As for Wilhelm, he is a kicker from Ohio who appears to have attained “preferred walk-on” status, though the school is sometimes unclear about these matters. Wilhelm was an entry class of 2012 recruit who redshirted last season. Back in high school, Wilhelm’s team scored a lot of touchdowns so most of his kicks by far were PATs.
Notables Who Wore 48
• Tyronne Pruitt, LB, 2004-07. Now a sports performance coach.
• Carl Lucas, B, 1940-42. Not particularly notable, but mentioned in this blast from the past.
• Gerrick McPhearson, CB, 1984-87. New England Patriots signee; multiple sons who played college ball.
• Ryan Utzler, FB, 1998-01. Started at fullback for several seasons.
No Laundry On The Field
If you’re looking for a bright spot to take out of last season, Boston College was one of the least-penalized teams in the nation. In total, the Eagles got rung up 48 times; on a per-game basis, this was 8th-fewest in FBS.
More Good News
The team had a forgettable 2012, but Alex Amidon likely hopes that 2013 is better for his Eagles and just as good for himself. Last season, he had 48 points, which was second on the team to Nate Freese’s 78.
The Guy Who Caught The Pass at VT in 2007
Andre Callender, one of the aforementioned heroes of the classic BC-VT contest, appeared in 48 career games. He is presently fourth all-time on the rushing attempts list.
The Guy Who Did Sideline Reports for WEEI
Brian St. Pierre, the former Eagles quarterback, threw 48 touchdown passes during this career in the early TOB era. That ranks fourth on the all-time BC list.
The Guy Whose Brother Is Doug
Darren Flutie’s season-high reception total during his time at Boston College was 48 catches in 1987.