Boston College Football Countdown: 17 Days to Go
By Joe Micik
Just two and a half weeks separate you from the thrill of college football of a maroon and gold persuasion. If you’re getting the itch, don’t put Gold Bond on it. Embrace it.
Who Wears 17 Now
Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY SportsBryce Jones, DB, sophomore
Jones played last season as an Eagles defensive back and as a true freshman. He saw a total of 278 snaps over the course of all 12 games, all as a non-starter, and amassed 15 tackles. Jones also saw some action on special teams as a kickoff returner, and he held the longest BC return of the season with a 45-yarder.
The preseason depth chart currently lists him as the starter at right corner ahead of the other Jones, CJ.
Notables Who Wore 17
• Tony Thurman, DB, 1981-85. BC Varsity Club Hall of Famer.
• Frank Harris, QB, 1968-70. 1970 team captain; starting quarterback; 6th-round pick in 1971.
• Joel Hazard, WR, 2001-04. Led Eagles in touchdown catches his senior year.
• Gary Marangi, QB, 1971-73. 3rd-round pick in 1974.
• Mike Reed, CB, 1991-94. TOB’s DB coach at NC State; now DB coach at Clemson.
The 17 Club
Four Boston College running backs have 17 career touchdowns: Andre Callender, LV Whitworth, Glen Capriola, and Shelby Gamble.
Club of Two
William Green (2001) and Mike Esposito (1973) both had 17-touchdown seasons; these were tied for the third-most productive seasons in BC history.
Club of Two II
Stephen Boyd and Jason Pohopek both finished with 17 career sacks.
Club of One
Troy Stradford had 17 career games in which he rushed for 100 or more yards, putting him all alone in fourth place all-time.
Chasing The Dream
Chase Rettig threw 17 touchdown passes last season, which was a career high.
Jumping The Route
John Salmon finished his Boston College career with 17 interceptions, which is second-most all-time.
Call It A Comeback
Boston College’s biggest comeback victories ever have been from 17-point deficits. In 1984, BC came back from 31-14 down to beat Alabama, 38-31, at Bryant–Denny Stadium, and in 2005, the Eagles returned from a 17-0 hole against Wake Forest to win, 35-30.
Speaking of 2005
In that year, the Eagles were ranked #17 in the final AP poll.
Laundry
Boston College’s most penalized game in program history came in 1988 against the Tennessee Volunteers; the Eagles were flagged 17 times.