BC #NSD: Dude, Where Are BC’s Linebackers?
By Kyle Egan
Nov 30, 2013; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange running back Ashton Broyld (1) tries to avoid a tackle by Boston College Eagles linebacker Steele Divitto (49) during the first quarter of a game at the Carrier Dome.Syracuse won the game 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Over the past few decades along with the offensive line, the linebacker position has been a special one for Boston College. There have been such names as Luke Kuechly, Mark Herzlich and Bill Romanowski coming out of the Heights in recent years. This year the linebacker unit was anchored by quality players in Steele Divitto and Kevin Pierre-Louis. Unfortunately both players were seniors and head coach Steve Addazio needed to find replacements. Let’s see what the future of the position is at Boston College!
The newcomers
Connor Strachan
Strachan is truly the jewel of Steve Addazio’s linebacker haul. When the four star linebacker out of St. Sebastian’s Country Day School in Wellesley, Massachusetts it added credence to Addazio’s earlier claim that he would build a three hour fence around Boston College, snatching up any local recruit like candy. Who knows whether during the Spaziani era, Strachan would’ve committed to the school. ESPN regards Strachan as the #20 Inside Linebacker in the country and Rivals calls him #10 at the position and the #192 player overall nationally.
A quote from ESPN was used in an earlier article I wrote about Strachan: “Has the size, athleticism and straight-line speed sought after for the inside linebacker position at the BCS level. While thick and muscular, his frame still appears capable of supporting additional body mass…Shows outstanding instincts with a nose for the football…Possesses dominant tackling skills. Will wrap up and run through…Can time the blitz and utilize his burst and relentless style to disruptive plays behind the line of scrimmage…Strachan is a physical and athletic prospect capable of seeing early action at the BCS level of play.”
Connor’s uncle Steve was a running back for the Eagles in the early 80’s, participating in the 1985 Cotton Bowl, Boston College’s last major bowl game appearance. Connor Strachan looks to be a major piece of next year’s defense especially with his 4.48 40 time(wow) and 6’1 240lb body. Don Brown’s going to have some fun.
Ty Schwab
Schwab is a three star outside linebacker from Merritt Island High School in Florida. Schwab committed on June 24th to Boston College turning down offers from UMass, Tulane, and Western Michigan. ESPN describes Schwab as “a tough guy capable of mixing it up at the line of scrimmage…[whose] athleticism and toughness should prove to be effective as a special teams coverage defender. Some time and a redshirt year may be needed to grow physically prior to challenging for playing time at the BCS level of competition.” Scwab will need some work but he is definitely athletic and could play a part in the Boston College’s long term plans. Of course, Boston College always needs quality players on special teams.