Boston College Football 2014: Brian Mihalik, DE

At 6-foot-9, senior defensive end Brian Mihalik is the biggest man on the Boston College Eagles football team. Is his biggest season yet coming in 2014?

This Ohioan is quite a bit removed from his high school days now, but realistically, his path to Boston College may have started before then. His father, John Mihalik, was a fullback for the Eagles during parts of the Doug Flutie and Shawn Halloran eras. A little bit of legacy never hurt anyone.

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Brian Mihalik graduated from Avon Lake High School in 2011, but not before having been named an all-conference, all-region, and even an all-state player. He mostly played at defensive end, though he spent some time at tight end on offense. It was on defense, however, that he earned his recognition, with his pass-rushing skills catching the eyes of college coaches.

As a three-star recruit, Mihalik reportedly sported offers from some big-name programs such West Virginia, Stanford, Louisville, and Arizona, but the Eagles sealed the deal. Again, legacy may have been a factor, but whatever the case, it didn’t hurt.

Mihalik has slowly evolved into larger roles on this team over the course of his first three years. As a true freshman in 2011, he played limited snaps in nine games, notching six tackles and a sack. As a sophomore, he again played in nine games, but jumped to 22 tackles with another sack — the latter was a noteworthy accomplishment, considering how the 2012 Eagles were the worst sacking team in the nation.

Last season, in 2013, Mihalik’s tackle total only increased to 27, but he appeared in all 13 games.

Brian Mihalik #99: Fast Facts

• Position: Defensive end
• Hometown: Avon Lake, Ohio
• High School: Avon Lake High School
• Measurements: 6-foot-9, 288 lb.
• Class year at 2014 opener: Senior
• BC games played: 31

Brian Mihalik #99: 2013 Season (HS)

• Backup left defensive end behind Kaleb Ramsey
• Games played: 13 (4 starts)
• Cumulative statistics: 27 tackles, 6 TFL, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
• Appeared on Spring 2014 roster

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As a senior and an experienced backup, 2014 very well could be Mihalik’s time to shine as the full-time starter. As a matter of fact, it seems prudent to assume that he will be it unless proven otherwise. Nick Lifka will also get an opportunity here, as may some underclassmen (including incoming freshmen) but a greater amount of in-game experience could give Mihalik the edge.