Projecting the BC Football Depth Chart: The Defense (Late August Edition)
Boston College wrapped up their summer camp, and moves on to the next phase of their practicing next week. As the pre-season changes gear, let's take a look at a projection for the defensive line. This year these types of projections were tricky because practice was closed to the media. Usually we can watch scrimmages and practices and see who is making plays, or practicing with the starters. Unfortunately COVID-19 changed all that.
These projections are based on conversations with the coaches and players, practice reports, and my intuition. With three weeks remaining before opening kickoff against Duke, these could still drastically change. Consider these projections a shot in time.
You can check out the offensive depth chart here.
Defensive Ends
Starters: Marcus Valdez, Luc Bequette
Reserves: Shittah Sillah, Brandon Barlow
This is a position to continue to watch. Bequette's transfer from Cal hasn't officially been announced yet, but that seems like a formality. Once he gets here, he is going to have to learn the playbook, given that he is a grad student it probably won't take long, but it will take adjustment and he'll need time (also most likely he will need to quarantine before he can practice). If Bequette isn't ready to go, I'd expect Sillah to be the other starter. I believe all four of these players will have big roles this year.
Defensive Tackles
Starters: TJ Rayam, Chibueze Onwuka
Reserves: Cam Horsley, Izaiah Henderson
Starters are pretty cut and dry, as both are seasoned starters who have had strong summers. Horsley has had a huge summer, seemingly with big plays every practice, he's a playmaker, and will find his way on to the field. That other back up role could go to a handful of other guys including Kyiev Bennermon, Ryan Betro and Jaleel Berry. I went with Henderson because he sounds like the player with highest ceiling. Luc Bequette could also slide over and play inside here as well. He played defensive tackle his final year at Cal.
Linebackers
Starters: Max Richardson, Isaiah McDuffie, John Lamot (if they go with three)
Reserves: Joseph Sparacio, Vinny DePalma, Hugh Davis
How Hafley sets his depth chart remains a mystery. If he goes with a hybrid linebacker/safety slot like he did at Ohio State, the linebackers will lose a starter. But he could be flexible, and have three starters for different packages, most likely run situations, so Lamot gets that spot. Richardson and McDuffie are slam dunks to start, and having a trio of reserves like BC will give them great depth at a valuable position.
Cornerbacks
Starters: Brandon Sebastian, Jason Maitre
Nickel: Josh DeBerry
Reserves: Tate Haynes, Elijah Jones
Here is where projections get tough. All five of these players were starters last year at various points. Sebastian seems like he will be a lock to be a starter, but the other roles could be anyone. The hardest decision was between Maitre and DeBerry, as it could go either way.
Safeties
Starters: Mike Palmer, Deon Jones
Reserves: Steve Lubischer, Jalen Williams
Palmer is an interesting player, because he could easily play the hybrid role himself. Jones was brought in to compete and start, and it sounds like he has done that this summer. Good young depth behind them, as Lubischer and Williams look to be the safeties of the future.
Hybrid:
Starter: Connor Grieco
Reserve: Jahmin Muse
This will be the new position group to watch this upcoming season. The hybrid needs to be quick like a safety but the ability to hit hard like a linebacker as they will move all around the field. Both of these players fill that role, Grieco I believe will start though, as he is a bit quicker.
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