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With a signing day that consisted of 30 new signees, the largest number in recent memory, the Eagles are now loaded up with young talent for the future. The incoming class is composed of 16 offensive players and 14 on defense, and includes three 4-star recruits and 19 3-star recruits.
The 2014 class was the first time Addazio had a full chance to recruit, and it shows. The Eagles' 30 recruits were second only to NC State in the ACC, and the 2014 class is ranked 42nd in the country by ESPN. With both Chase Rettig and Andre Williams departing from Boston College, the most obvious voids to fill were those at the quarterback and halfback positions. And with the recruits Addazio brought to BC, it is clear that there will be plenty of competition for the starting spot at both positions.
Prior to signing day, Addazio was able to bring in quarterback Tyler Murphy from his former workplace, the University of Florida, as a mid-year enrollee to compete for the starting position as a fifth-year senior. Competing against Murphy will be 3-star recruit Darius Wade, a dual threat quarterback from Middletown, Delaware. Wade chose BC over schools such as Clemson, Duke, and Georgia, and though he lacks the height that is usually looked for in a quarterback, he is described by ESPN.com as a “wiry, athletic player” and is extremely accurate.
Jonathan Hilliman, a 4-star recruit from St. Peter's Prep, is one of 30 recruits coming to Boston College. Photo courtesy of NJ.com.
For halfbacks, Addazio was also able to get 4-star running back Jonathan Hilliman to choose BC over Rutgers, as well as 3-star recruits Marcus Outlow and Richard Wilson. Hilliman, who had received offers from programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Michigan, is the most decorated halfback heading into the season, but will have to fight for the job with Outlow and Wilson; two players who were already drawing comparisons to Andre Williams heading into national signing day. Addazio has already said that he anticipates these backs playing right away. All three will be competing with Myles Willis, who played very well as the second string back behind Williams.
Along with the new additions to the quarterback and halfback positions, Addazio added additional weapons on offense. Three wide recievers, a tight end, and four offensive linemen have committed to play for the Eagles, one of which is Troy Flutie, the nephew of BC legend Doug Flutie.
The defensive signees should put the Eagles in a decent position to improve defensively in the future as well. Defensive end Harold Landry and linebacker Connor Strachan, both 4-star recruits, headline the signees and chose BC over schools like Auburn, Clemson, and Notre Dame. In total, six defensive lineman, four linebackers, and four defensive backs have committed to play for BC next year.
This year’s recruiting class will undoubtedly be pivotal to the team’s success in coming years. After the impressive turn-around from the 2-10 season two years ago as well as Andre Williams’ record-setting year, the program is now much more appealing to play for. The sheer size of the class provides better chances for a star to emerge, and it will be up to players like Hilliman, Outlow and whoever wins the starting job at quarterback to do their part in bringing BC back to a bowl game and keep the program appealing to future classes.
Don’t be mistaken: the 2014 recruiting class may have a decent amount of potential for the future, but there will be no way of knowing for sure how big of an impact they will make until the start of next season. For the time being, though, players, coaches and fans alike can take a collective sigh of relief knowing that there are solid options to fill the quarterback and halfback void for next year.
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