Boston College’s second controlled scrimmage of the summer gave Bill O’Brien a little of everything on Saturday: live-looking offense, disruptive defense, and another chance for younger players to push their way into the conversation as camp rolls on.
The Eagles went through their sixth straight day of practice and their 15th overall workout of training camp in Chestnut Hill, and O’Brien came away encouraged, even if he knows there’s still cleanup work ahead.
"Both sides of the ball made plays today. There's still some things to clean up, but I do believe we're a better football team," O'Brien said after practice.
The run game was active throughout the scrimmage, with second-year backs Bo MacCormack III and Mekhi Dodd taking advantage of their chances. On the perimeter, Javarius Green said the receivers know what the offense expects from them.
"We have a great running back room … The biggest thing for us, receiver wise, is you have to block in order to get the ball. We have to do our job and do our part. People are counting on us to catch passes and make our blocks," the North Carolina transfer Green said to the media after practice.
Boston College’s defense made plenty of noise, too. Second-year linebacker Zacari Thomas was around the ball repeatedly, breaking up potential completions and helping shut down the run. Safety KP Price also picked off a pass during the scrimmage, and his presence has clearly left an impression on the younger defensive backs around him.
"Since I got recruited here, there have been guys I've looked up to. KP [Price] has been a leader since day one. The whole safeties room, we're just tight," Marcus Upton told the media after Saturday's scrimmage.
The day also gave the newest Eagles a chance to make their case. True freshman quarterback Femi Babalola connected with true freshman wide receiver DJ Biggins for a 30+ yard touchdown down the sideline, a play that stood out as the team continues sorting out roles before the trip to Cincinnati just two weeks from today.
Boston College has Sunday off before opening its final week of training camp on Monday. Practices remain closed to the public.
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Boston College Women Just Passed An Early Pressure Test
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The result had the feel of a useful September checkpoint for a team trying to establish itself before league play tightens. Cornell gave Boston College enough resistance to make the response matter, and the Eagles answered with the kind of composure coaches like to see, turning a tricky road test into another mark in the win column. [Read more 🡒]
Javarius Green Embraces A Boston College Number That Carries Real Pressure
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Green said the opportunity to wear that number was part of what drew him to Boston College, along with his conversations with Lewis Bond and coach Bill O'Brien. For a receiver trying to carve out his own place, it is a straightforward challenge: follow a familiar path, embrace the expectations and try to build a career worthy of a number that has already carried real significance for the Eagles. [Read more 🡒]