Steve Addazio Opens Spring Football With Praise for Depth

There's a weird trio of words that have been rarely tossed around in Alumni Stadium during the Steve Addazio era at Boston College at the same time: depth, experience, and age. In his five years, the Eagles have not often gotten all around the team. The first two years had the age, mostly from Frank Spaziani players and grad transfers. The last two years had some experience and some depth, but never at every position and often not to a strong degree.

But now, entering the 2018 season, Addazio believes that the team has become fully well rounded at each position, with depth and experience everywhere, particularly along the offensive line.

"We'll probably have nine guys who we can play at a high level, guaranteed eight," Addazio said about the depth of his offensive line.

In particular, Addazio appeared excited about the versatility along the offensive line. For example, Chris Lindstrom has played both tackle and guard over the last two years, as well as Sam Schmal. The big question may come at center, where redshirt senior Jon Baker will be returning, but for whom Ben Petrula took over, which was a key for BC's comeback in the latter half of the season. It may have been a blessing in disguise for the Eagles.

"Jon's an eliete player and Ben's an elite player -- our original plan for Ben was to be a tackle, so as hard as it was to get done early, as good as it is to build our depth," Addazio said. "It just reminds you how devastating it was, but the good news is, look how much versatility we have."

All across the field, the Eagles are continuing to improve on that versatility. Nate Emer and Adam Korutz will now get more looks at offensive line, Drew McQuarrie will now get looks at defensive end and back, Tate Haynes will play at defensive back, and Ben Glines will perform in a dual role as an inside slot receiver and running back. Addazio said that wide receiver is a place where he really plans to see depth grow, with Glines and Jeff Smith in those hybrid roles; Michael Walker continuing to lead the way; and C.J. Lewis, Kobay White, and incoming freshman Noah Jordan-Williams -- all of whom Addazio said could "play for anyone in the country" -- as the big threats. One of the keys, Addazio noted, is to diversify what each receiver's role is within their unit. This was in regard to Thadd Smith, who had a strong season last year running the jet sweep packages, but often was an obvious marker for when BC would run that play.

"Thadd did a phenomenal job last year, but we got a little situational with Thadd," Addazio said. "Now there won't be any red flags. ... We can really, truly, stay in one grouping and have a plethora of options that they can defend."

That doesn't mean everyone will be super active this spring. Addazio noted several veteran players that will likely be inactive this spring, due to both injury recovery and general rest as older guys. That list includes: Zach Allen, Chris Garrison, Elijah Johnson, Max Richardson, Connor Strachan, and of course, Anthony Brown, the starting quarterback who had surgery and is recovering from a knee injury.

Brown's injury paves the way for some of the younger quarterbacks, such as E.J. Perry, Matt McDonald, and Dennis Grosel, along with longtime walk-on John Fadule, to show what they can do in replacement of backup quarterback Darius Wade, who Addazio wished well on his transfer. Addazio in particular is high on Perry, the local product from Andover, Mass.

"He's a guy that can throw it, he can run it, he's an unbelievable competitor," Addazio said. I think E.J. is ready to take his opportunity here. ... What a great blessing to have him take his snaps."

As for A.J. Dillon? Well, there's no reason to be worried about him. The freshman superstar who broke out as a future Heisman Trophy candidate will not see a ton of playing time, but that'll allow the depth behind him to grow. That's particularly in the form of Travis Levy, the former Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year who will take up Jonathan Hilliman's role as RB2.

"Travis Levy, he played as a true freshman last year, we think he's really a dynamic player," Addazio said. "He came in 187, now he's 210."

Defensively is where Addazio really seems excited about his depth, even at defensive tackle. He noted that, although Harold Landry is departing for the NFL Draft, he rarely made an impact on the field last year, which allowed other players at defensive end and linebacker to thrive.

"We lost Harold early on, he never came back again, so we're really talking about Noa [Merritt] who had a great senior year," Addazio said. "I think our depth will be better, and of course you guys know at the linebacker position -- our misfortune led to our fortune."

One thing's for certain in Addazio's mind. Even though he won't play much this spring, he's got a replacement for Landry in Allen.

"Zach Allen's gonna be one of the best players in college football, period," Addazio said.