Dillon, Petrula Named to ESPN’s Freshman All-America Team
December 11, 2017 | Football
Pair of Eagles Named to ESPN.com Squad
CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. – Boston College true freshman running back AJ Dillon and true freshman center Ben Petrula were named to ESPN.com's Freshman All-America team on Monday. Boston College was one of just three schools to have two players named to the team, joining Georgia and Arizona.
The honor is the latest for Dillon, who was named the ACC Rookie of the Year in addition to collecting All-ACC first-team accolades. He was tied with Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson for most votes among the all-conference teams in the ACC.
Dillon's magnificent rookie campaign was one of the best by any ACC freshman running back in conference history. The New London, Conn., native has rushed for 1,432 yards, the second-most by any freshman in ACC history. Dillon is second among all freshmen nationally in rushing and 15th overall.
He set a new BC freshman rushing record with 1,432 yards and is tied for sixth in BC single-season history in rushing. He is just the second freshman in ACC history with two 200-yard games.
Petrula started the final 11 games of the season at center for Boston College after a season-ending knee injury to starting center Jon Baker. Despite never playing center at any level, Petrula thrived in his rookie campaign in the middle of a stout Boston College offensive line.
Petrula was a key part of a unit that ranked second in the ACC - and 11th nationally - with just 13 sacks allowed all season. He helped pave the way for a rushing offense that was 24th nationally, averaging 224.2 yards per game.
For the first time since 1993, Boston College has a chance to win six of its final seven games of the year with a win in the 2017 New Era Pinstripe Bowl against Iowa. The Eagles and Hawkeyes square off on Wednesday, Dec. 27 at Yankee Stadium with a 5:15 kickoff on ESPN. Tickets are available for the New Era Pinstripe Bowl by visiting www.BCEagles.com.
The honor is the latest for Dillon, who was named the ACC Rookie of the Year in addition to collecting All-ACC first-team accolades. He was tied with Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson for most votes among the all-conference teams in the ACC.
Dillon's magnificent rookie campaign was one of the best by any ACC freshman running back in conference history. The New London, Conn., native has rushed for 1,432 yards, the second-most by any freshman in ACC history. Dillon is second among all freshmen nationally in rushing and 15th overall.
He set a new BC freshman rushing record with 1,432 yards and is tied for sixth in BC single-season history in rushing. He is just the second freshman in ACC history with two 200-yard games.
Petrula started the final 11 games of the season at center for Boston College after a season-ending knee injury to starting center Jon Baker. Despite never playing center at any level, Petrula thrived in his rookie campaign in the middle of a stout Boston College offensive line.
Petrula was a key part of a unit that ranked second in the ACC - and 11th nationally - with just 13 sacks allowed all season. He helped pave the way for a rushing offense that was 24th nationally, averaging 224.2 yards per game.
For the first time since 1993, Boston College has a chance to win six of its final seven games of the year with a win in the 2017 New Era Pinstripe Bowl against Iowa. The Eagles and Hawkeyes square off on Wednesday, Dec. 27 at Yankee Stadium with a 5:15 kickoff on ESPN. Tickets are available for the New Era Pinstripe Bowl by visiting www.BCEagles.com.
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