Boston College Football 2014: Austin Stevens, DE

Freshman defensive end Austin Stevens came aboard towards the end of the 2014 recruiting cycle, but his arrival is well-timed as his is a position of need for the Boston College Eagles.

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Stevens is a North Jersey native from Montclair, having played on a perfect, state champion football team last season. The defense was a major part of Montclair’s dominance in 2013, and Stevens contributed 55 tackles to their efforts. He was named a second-team all-New Jersey player following the season.

As a recruit, Austin Stevens was ranked amongst New Jersey’s Top 50 for 2014, a list that also included a number of his new teammates: Jon Hilliman, Joe Vitiello, Sherm Alston, Tom Sweeney, and Noa Merritt. The only school which got more Top 50 recruits than Boston College was the home-state Rutgers with seven.

Stevens was originally headed to Kansas, but he cancelled his trip to the plains and flipped to the Boston College Eagles in December of last year, citing academics as a key factor. Other schools that also offered him included Rutgers, Temple, and UMass.

At the time he picked the Eagles, the local newspaper had this to say of Stevens:

"Stevens is strong bull-rusher off the edge and is projected to play at defensive end at the next level. He also has experience lining up as a tight end and H-Back on offense.Austin Stevens of Montclair signs to play football at Boston College on National Signing Day (Jeremy Schneider, NJ.com)"

In 2014, do the Eagles have room for this “strong bull-rusher” on their defensive line?

Austin Stevens: Fast Facts

• Position: Defensive end
• Hometown: Montclair, New Jersey
• High School: Montclair High School
• Measurements: 6-foot-4, 245 lb.
• Class year at 2014 opener: Freshman
• BC games played: 0

Austin Stevens: 2013 Season (HS)

• Weak-side defensive end and tight end
• Cumulative statistics: 55 tackles, 2 TFL, 7 sacks, 3 fumbles recovered
• Did not appear on Spring 2014 roster

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Boston College just might require Stevens’ services in the near future. We have said previously that the defensive line looks like an “all hands on deck” situation given the number of losses sustained in the offseason, which is why it seems likely that four-star newcomer Harold Landry might play as a true freshmen.

As for other freshmen players such as Stevens, the image is less clear. A redshirt still appears likely, but not a guarantee. Playing Stevens as a true freshman would be defensible provided he can get meaningful snaps and contribute, including on special teams.

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