Boston College Football: 3 Upperclassmen who must step up in 2022

These three upperclassmen have to step up for Boston College football to have a good season.

Boston College’s season can be split into two distinct categories: with Phil Jurkovec and without Phil Jurkovec. The Eagles were 4-2 with Jurkovec and 2-4 without him. Since he transferred from Notre Dame, the 6-foot-5 Jurkovec injected life into the Boston College program and offense.

Suffice it to say; the Pittsburgh native is the most crucial upperclassman in Chestnut Hill. The Eagles go as Jurkovec goes. He is not the only fourth or fifth (in a few cases sixth) year player that has to play well.

The Eagles are no different from most mid-tier Power Five programs in this regard. Boston College football has some excellent starters on both sides of the ball. Those starters have to play well and stay healthy for the Eagles to have a chance to make a bowl and make some noise in the ACC Atlantic Division.

Offensively, Jurkovec needs help. Redshirt junior running back Pat Garwo III needs to follow his 1,000-yard 2021 with another solid season. Last year’s leading receiver Zay Flowers needs to take advantage of consistent quarterback play and be the go-to receiver Jurkovec needs in the passing game.

The defense took strides, allowing four fewer points from head coach Jeff Haffley’s first season to his second. The run defense is still terrible because the defensive line is too light in the pants. Coach Haffley needs to figure out how to scheme a better run defense.

Let’s look at three upperclassmen who must step up for the Eagles to get to a bowl game.