Boston College: New Coach and Key Acquisitions Bring Optimism Heading Into Spring

© Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

A new coach and a new year make the Boston College Eagles and new coach Bill O'Brien an interesting team to watch as the team goes through its spring practices. Returning quarterback Thomas Castellanos will look to build on an impressive 2023 campaign that saw him finish with 2,248 yards passing and 1,113 yards on the ground in his first year starting at Boston College. He will give O'Brien a dynamic dual-threat signal caller for his return to head coaching at the collegiate level.

O'Brien was active in the transfer portal adding running back Treshaun Ward from Kansas State, receiver Jerand Bradley from Texas Tech, defensive back Ryan Turner from Ohio State, and quarterback Grayson James from FIU. Offensive coordinator, Will Lawing, will have some new weapons as the team looks to build off a 7-6 2023 campaign.

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With Ward, the move to Boston College marks a return to the ACC where he previously spent four seasons with the Florida State Seminoles. Ward, a graduate transfer, will provide a speedy option in contrast to the power style of senior Kye Robichaux. Both will also provide Castellanos with receiving options in the passing game. Ward finished his 2023 season at Kansas State with a career-best 643 yards six touchdowns and no fumbles. The combination of Robichaux who finished last season with 777 yards rushing and eight scores will give the Eagles' offense a three-headed rushing attack that will be a headache for opponents in 2024.

Castellanos will look to develop a rapport during spring practices with Bradley and Jayden McGowan, who transferred in from Vanderbilt, as they all learn a new system. Bradley seems to already be on the same page with Castellanos, connecting on a touchdown pass over his shoulder during drills on the second practice of spring. Bradley enters practices with Boston College after three seasons with the Red Raiders where he averaged 13.8 yards per reception over that span. He can be a needed vertical threat for Castellanos.

Newcomer Grayson James will look to compete with Castellanos this spring as they have alternated reps so far. The junior made 20 appearances for the Panthers with 10 starts. After his best season in 2022 where he threw for 1,958 yards and 11 touchdowns, James' production took a dip as he only appeared in three games in 2023. At 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, James is more of a pocket passer although he does have the ability to extend plays as needed. It will be an interesting battle to watch this Spring and could create a dual-quarterback approach for the Eagles.

Newly arrived Ryan Turner, a redshirt sophomore, joins another former Buckeye Cameron Martinez in the secondary for Boston College. Although just a sophomore, Turner is already turning heads during practice with his quickness and closing speed to disrupt passes. His talents will help the Eagles' defense fill the hole left by Elijah Jones who departed for the NFL. He joins a secondary where he will likely find a rotational role within a veteran secondary.

With a new coach who has strong ties to the NFL and a talented roster on both sides of the ball, the future is trending in the right direction for the Eagles. O'Brien takes over a Boston College team coming off a good season in 2023 after a disappointing 3-9 season in 2022. In 2024 the Eagles face tough tests early with a September 2, road contest against defending ACC Champion Florida State. They also have an early road contest against Missouri who is fresh off an 11-2 season in 2023. The trial by fire will be a strong test for Castellanos and company as they establish their identity under coach O'Brien.