Boston College Eagles (6-5)
The Eagles had a solid first season under first-year head coach Jeff Haffley. Boston College looked well prepared and gave every team they played a tough time. However, the Eagles gave up a lot of yards defensively and struggled running the football.
Boston College loses a lot of depth defensively, including linebacker Isaiah McDuffie, one of the few bright spots on an otherwise marginal defense. Where the Eagles need help is in the interior of the defensive line and linebacker. These three players could help Boston College’s defensive issues this season.
- Clinton Burton, CB: Burton is the highest-rated defensive recruit the Eagles signed this cycle and the second-highest rated overall recruit. Head coach Jeff Haffley and the Eagles’ staff flipped Burton from Florida. Burton is the type of player Haffley covets defensively. Burton is physical and tough with a non-stop motor. The Florida native can influence the run game and is a bit of a thumper. Burton can get beat deep at times, but his technique will improve with age. Expect Burton to plug and play this season beating out a veteran for snaps.
- Khris Banks (transfer), DT: Banks, a Temple transfer, is a player Haffley wants because of where he transferred in from. Temple is a program teeming with tough, physical football players. Banks gives Haffley and the defensive staff size and depth up front, something sorely lacking this season. A career back-up at Temple, Banks will get a chance to start at Boston College. Banks can play either over the center or guard.
- Isaiah Graham-Mobley (transfer), ILB: Graduate transfer, Isaiah Graham-Mobley is another former Temple Owl who brings physicality and toughness to a Boston College defense who needs both. Graham-Mobley has had an incredible spring, and the only thing in his way is health. If Graham-Mobley can stay healthy, he can impact the defense like Isaiah McDuffie did last season.