Boston College Football Countdown: 43 Days to Go
By Joe Micik
43 days until the Boston College football season begins. That’s six weeks plus one day. You can get through that, right?
Who Wears 43 Now
Carmen Dello Iacono, TE, junior
Dello Iacono is a walk-on from Dedham who has only seen action in 2012 (and apparently 2013) spring practices so far. He was injured during the 2012 regular season and did not see any action.
As a tight end for Dedham High School in his senior year, he made the Bay State League All-Star second team. Dello Iacono was also a four-sport athlete.
Notables Who Wore 43
• JP Comella, FB, 2000-02. Lost his starting job to Greg Toal; now a restaurateur.
• Neil Iton, CB, 1983-85. Muay Thai enthusiast (go all the way to the bottom).
• Jason Malecki, P, 1995-98. Near the top of the Big East in punting each year.
• Tony Melchiorre, HB, 1974-76. Subject of another Heights throwback.
Switcheroo
Last year, the number #43 was worn by Ameer Richardson and, prior to the 2012 season, was also assigned to Gerald Levano. Richardson did not appear on the spring football roster (and for all we know is gone).
Wrong End Zone
The opposition scored 43 touchdowns against Boston College last season, as compared with 26 for the Eagles. If one is seeking small comfort, the other teams did not make all 43 PATs, whereas the Eagles hit all of theirs. Good on ya, Nate Freese.
Kicks Are Kicks, Right?
Speaking of, Nate Freese also did some punting. His longest of six attempts was a 43-yarder.
Three Nate Freese References In A Row
Freese missed a 43-yard field goal against Wake Forest, which led to the iconic “Spaz facepalm” moment.
Random Fact
WR/TE Brian Miller had 43 receiving yards last season on four catches. Here’s a guy whom we expect to get more involved in the offense as the years pass.
See, We Made the Orange Bowl
On January 1, 1943, that is. And we lost to Alabama, 37-21. The Eagles would not play in a bowl game again for another 39 years.
Random Fact #2
Ex-Eagle and NFL pro Chris Hovan finished his BC career with 43 tackles for a loss (TFLs), which is third on the all-time list.