Boston College #NSD: The Wild, the Innocent and the Running Back Shuffle
By Kyle Egan
Nov 2, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston College Eagles running back Myles Willis (23) is pursued by Virginia Tech Hokies linebacker Tariq Edwards (24) in the third quarter at Alumni Stadium. The Eagles defeated the Hokies 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Ed Wolfstein-USA TODAY Sports
Richard Wilson
Wilson comes out of Detroit Country Day in Franklin, Michigan. He committed July 8th to the Eagles. ESPN describes Wilson as “a dominant, inside, power runner with the durability to warrant many touches…[whose] athleticism and toughness could earn him early playing time at the BCS level of competition”. It’s going to be interesting to see where Wilson will fit into Boston College’s stable of running backs.
Sherman Alston
Boston College was the only BCS school to actually offer Sherman Alston, a running back from Montvale, New Jersey. He eventually committed on August 22nd. ESPN describes the 5’6 165lb. Alston as “undersized…will need to add bulk to be able to compete consistently at the next level…his agility and acceleration are second to none…a very good non BCS prospect that could possibly get a lower level BCS school to fall in love with him…can do things that can’t be taught”. Of course, Alston will have to get over his size but the Boston College coaching staff is hoping that he can be sort of change of pace back or even maybe a slot receiver.
Who’s already here?
Myles Willis
As Boston College’s top recruit last year, Willis while playing sparingly because of Andre Williams’ dominance, impressed the Boston College faithful with his fast, agile type of play. In fact, many thought that he should’ve been out on the field even more to spell Williams. His stats for last year were still impressive. In the 60 carries he was given, he rushed for 346 yards and two touchdowns. And Willis even contributed on the receiving end, unlike Williams, getting 5 catches for 60 yards and a touchdown. Myles Willis was also effective as a kick returner, even taking one back for a touchdown. The Heights hopes for even more out of the rising sophomore next Fall.
Tahj Kimble
Perhaps many of you forgot about Tahj Kimble. He had an ACL injury early in the 2012 season and was supposedly looking good in practice in August. If anyone has any info, please tell us. With a medical redshirt (which I suppose he is receiving), he will be a junior in 2014.