ACC Preview: Boston College Eagles
July 17th, 2008 by Matthew Melton
In 2007, Boston College was a godsend for fantasy footballers. Quarterback Matt Ryan threw a staggering 654 passes, 2nd only to Graham Harrell of Texas Tech. He also passed for over 4,500 yards. Andre Callender rushed for nearly 1000 yards and also added a team-leading 76 catches. Both those gentlemen are gone and the Eagles should see a significant decline in their fantasy value.
That’s not to say the Eagles don’t have a few fantasy sleepers heading into 2008. Receivers Rich Gunnell (931 yards) and Brandon Robinson (793) could be decent value picks. The only problem is that the man charged with getting them the ball is a total unknown. Projected starting quarterback, Chris Crane, threw just 4 passes last season and has just 40 attempts in his college career. If Crane develops as a competent passer, Gunnell and Robinson could approach last season’s stellar numbers. However, it is unlikely they will exceed or even match those numbers.
The best values on Boston College may be tight end Ryan Purvis (553 yards and pictured right, Icon SMI) and freshman running back Josh Haden. Purvis caught 54 balls last season, and with the reception-hogging Callender departed, could become the new quarterback’s best friend and safety blanket. Haden is the projected starter at running back and with the top rushers from last season gone, as well as the starting quarterback, he could see a lot (relatively) of carries. Last season, the Eagles ran the ball only 422 times (92nd in the nation) despite playing 14 games. With Matt Ryan gone, Haden will be featured much more prominently in the running game than Callender did at BC.
The Eagles had 4 defensive touchdowns last season and forced 33 turnovers (8th in the nation), but their best players (Jamie Silva, DeJuan Tribble, and Jo-Lonn Dunbar) are no longer with the team. Along with a spotty kicker (Steve Aponavicius made only 12 of 18 field goals), the defense and special teams should not be a strong suit in 2008.
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