Boston College football in serious rebuilding mode in 2020

Eagles look to replace offensive impact left by AJ Dillon

After numerous lacking seasons of production on the offensive side of the ball, the Eagles decided to make a change in philosophy. They look to take a more aggressive offense going forward after lacking some form of a productive offense.

Jeff Hafley hired former Green Bay Packers quarterbacks coach and longtime NFL passing game guru Frank Cignetti Jr. as the offensive coordinator. Boston College has not had an explosive passing offense since Matt Ryan was their quarterback in 2007.

Last season, the Eagles had the 66th ranked scoring offense in the nation (29 points per game) and was ranked 113th in the nation (13th in the ACC) in passing yards per game (176). They were eighth in the nation in rushing yards per game (253.2) this past season due to the elite playmaking ability of three-time first-team All-ACC (2017-19) running back A.J. Dillion. With Dillion gone, they will have to find new playmakers, but this will be a good chance to change their identity on offense.

The Eagles have started their process for a more high-velocity passing offense in the spring. There remains the question of the eligibility of Notre Dame transfer Phil Jurkovec from the NCAA. If he’s not granted immediate eligibility, the Eagles will likely rely on redshirt junior Dennis Grosel to be their starting quarterback. He struggled heavily as he passed for 938 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions on 75 completions (out of 155 attempts). Cignitti will attempt to turn Grosel into a more productive passer with a new offensive scheme.

While Dillion will be missed as the program’s all-time rushing touchdowns and rushing yards leader, they do return their other top rusher in junior David Bailey. Last season, he rushed for 844 yards and seven touchdowns on 148 carries. He will be the next running back that will help maintain a productive and efficient offense going through a complete reshuffling process.

There is some good news for the passing attack to develop as they will return three of their top receiving playmakers from last year. Senior wide receiver Kobay White caught 29 passes (team-high) for 460 yards and five touchdowns (team-high). Sophomore Zay Flowers is back after starting two games as a true freshman. He caught 22 passes for 341 yards and three touchdowns. Junior tight end Hunter Long returns after being selected as a preseason third-team All-ACC player by Athlon Sports.

The Eagles return four of their five starting offensive linemen that was one of the top Power Five offensive line units in the ACC.

Last season, the Eagles allowed only 13 sacks throughout 13 games. Three of the projected starters on the offensive line for the Eagles will be seniors. Right tackle Ben Petrula returns to start his fourth season with the Eagles after playing and starting in 37 games in his career. Junior Alec Lindstrom, the younger brother of former Eagles center and Atlanta Falcons starting center, makes his second full-season start at center. Sophomore Tyler Vrabel returns after starting all of last season at left tackle.