Boston College Football 2014: Joel Karim Zoungrana, DB

Canadian junior Joel Karim Zoungrana is now listed at defensive back for the Boston College Eagles, switching from wide receiver.

More from Football

• Offensive Coordinator Ryan Day Leaves Boston College Football
• Colton Lichtenberg Commits to Boston College Football; Shores Up Kicking Game
• Soaring to Glory Show, Jan. 21, 2015: We’re Back, Baby
• Cost of Attendance: You Know, Boston College Has a Point
• Boston College Recruiting: Football Offers Jeremy Larkin, Jayson Ademilola

There are not many Canadians on the Boston College football Eagles, though the Great White North is represented on the rosters of all of the school’s major men’s sports. Had Olivier Hanlan bolted for the NBA, that would not be the case, but at least they’re covered for another year.

Back to Zoungrana: he is a Montreal native who played his high school ball in the Eastern Townships, about an hour and a half away from the big city in Sherbrooke. As one of the Champlain Cougars, his accomplishments ranged from being named team offensive MVP to a league all-star. On a side note, his alma mater beat teammate Mehdi Abdesmad‘s old high school in the 2013 “Bol d’Or” (Golden Bowl).

It is yet worth noting that all of Joel Karim Zoungrana’s high school accomplishments were as a wide receiver. In one of the few times Eagles fans got to see him up close, the 2012 spring game, he totaled 109 yards and two touchdown receptions. However, the school now lists him as a defensive back.

Will this change in position lead to a change in playing time?

Joel Karim Zoungrana #29: Fast Facts

• Position: Defensive back
• Hometown: Montreal, Quebec
• High School: Champlain College Lennoxville, Sherbrooke, QC
• Measurements: 6-foot-0, 197 lb.
• Class year at 2014 opener: Junior
• BC games played: 0

Joel Karim Zoungrana #29: 2013 Season

• Did not play
• Appeared on Spring 2014 roster

Ready to predict the 2014 Eagles’ season? Click here to vote in our poll.

On one hand, it is a curious move by the Eagles coaches to shift Zoungrana to the defensive secondary. The wide receiver corps probably needs more help and getting players out of there seems counterproductive.

On the other hand, perhaps that is not a role they see Zoungrana filling any longer, or his skill set is better suited towards defense at this level. Whatever the case may be, it is difficult to go from no snaps in your first two seasons to big playing time. Expect limited snaps from Zoungrana in 2014.

Missed any 2014 player or season previews? Click the “114 Days” tag below to catch up on what we’ve shared so far.