When you look at how Boston College has reshaped its roster over the last two years, few position groups have undergone more turnover than defensive tackle - outside of quarterback and running back. This isn’t just a minor shuffle; it’s a full-on rebuild in the heart of the Eagles’ defense.
Gone are veterans like Cam Horsley, Kwan Williams, and Sedarius McConnell, who provided experience and stability on the interior. That trio aged out, while George Rooks, Ty Clemons, and Owen Stoudmire opted to hit the transfer portal. That’s six contributors out of the room - a significant exodus that left the Eagles with a glaring need for reinforcements in the trenches.
What’s left from last year? Not much in terms of game experience.
Chris Marable is the only returning interior defensive lineman who didn’t redshirt. Chuck Nnaeto saw the field in just three games, and Micah Amedee played in five - but he’s likely to receive a medical redshirt, which would preserve his eligibility and keep him off the immediate depth chart.
That means the Eagles are essentially starting from scratch at a position that’s critical to stopping the run and anchoring the front seven.
Recognizing the urgency, Boston College got aggressive in restocking the defensive tackle room. They brought in four true freshmen and dipped into the transfer portal to land two more experienced bodies: Christian Hudson from Colorado and KJ Sampson from Florida State.
Hudson is still early in his development. He redshirted last season as a true freshman and saw limited action - just 18 defensive snaps, and 13 of those came against non-Power Four competition. He’s a project with upside, but not someone you pencil into the starting lineup just yet.
That brings us to KJ Sampson, who stands out as the most ready-made addition of the bunch. A rising redshirt junior, Sampson arrives with more seasoning and a clearer path to immediate playing time. Given the turnover and lack of returning experience, he’s the most straightforward projection to step into a starting role this fall.
For Boston College, this overhaul on the interior defensive line isn’t just about plugging holes - it’s about laying a new foundation. With so many new faces, there will be growing pains, but there’s also opportunity. If Sampson can anchor the group and some of the young talent develops quickly, the Eagles might just turn a position of concern into a surprising strength.