1999 Spring Football Players to Watch
June 21, 1999 | Football
Darnell Alford
OL 6-4 323 Sr. Fredericksburg, VA (Chancellor)
Started 9 games for the Eagles in the 1998 season after taking a year off from football for personal reasons...One of the main reasons BC racked up 4,527 yards in total offense during the season...A powerful run blocker and steady pass protector...At 323 pounds, he is one of the biggest Eagles...Won his first varsity monogram in the 1996 season, when he was in the starting lineup for every game...Earned All-State, All-Region, All-District and All-Area accolades as a senior at Chancellor High School.
Bryan Arndt
TE 6-4 260 Sr. Pittsburgh, PA (Central Catholic)
This big tight end figures to be a big part off the offense...Although he caught only 4 passes for 51 yards, look for him to play a more important part in the offense following the departure of the graduated Rob Tardio...Started at fullback against Syracuse...Caught 2 passes for 20 yards against Temple...A big, strong solid blocker with good hands...returned to his original position -- tight end -- after spending the 1997 season on the defensive line.
Nick Blevins
LB 6-2 216 So. Westlake, OH (St. Ignatius)
Played in nine games for the Eagles last season...Registered 22 tackles with one sack...Should figure to be a prominent player in defensive schemes this year for the Eagles...Registered 2 sacks against Notre Dame...Earned All-State first team honors as a senior strong safety at St. Ignatius High School, also the alma mater of Chris Hovan.
Scott Bradley
LB 6-2 210 So. Hanover, MA (Xaverian)
Played in all 11 games for the Eagles last season as a freshman...Registered 19 tackles (5 unassisted)...Two tackles for a loss...1 sack...2 quarterback hurries...Earned All-State honors as a senior defensive end/tight end at Xaverian Brothers High School; also captured USA Today All-America honorable mention accolades...captured 1997 All-Scholastic honors from the Boston Globe and Boston Herald...was a two-time All-Catholic Conference choice...was a Dedham Daily Transcript and a Quincy Patriot Ledger all-star selection..also played for Xaverian's hockey and track teams, earning All-Conference hockey honors as a junior.
Ryan Burch
FB 6-3 246 Jr. Luthersville, MD (Loyola)
Moved from down lineman to inside linebacker to fullback...Registered 22 tackles with one sack in the 98 season...Two sacks against Notre Dame...Carried the ball once last season...Should figure to see much more playing time in the upcoming season for the Eagles...Was a consensus All-State selection as a senior tight end/linebacker at Loyola High School...Captured USA Today All-America honorable mention accolades.
Frank Chamberlin
LB 6-0 239 Sr. Mahwah, NJ (Mahwah)
Started all 11 games for the Eagles last season...Had 78 tackles in 98, good for second on the team...Also had two sacks...Also took two snaps as a running back...Five solo tackles against Navy...5 solos and 3 assisted against West Virginia...6 assisted and 2 sacks for a loss of 14 against Virginia Tech...4 solos, 2 assisted against Georgia Tech...7 solos against Syracuse...8 solos, 3 assisted against Pittsburgh...As one of BC's best all-around athletes, Chamberlin moved from fullback to the other side of the ball prior to last season...his size and athleticism make him a natural fit...switches positions for the second year in a row...Saw action in all 11 games in the 1997 season...Found himself in the Eagle lineup right from opening day in the 1996 season, seeing action as a linebacker, tight end and blocking back throughout his rookie season as an Eagle.
Pedro Cirino
DB 5-11 191 Sr. Jersey City, NJ (St. Peter's Prep)
Started 8 games in 1998, but was hampered by injury (shoulder burner) in the other three...Had 61 tackles in those 8 games...Registered a season-high 7 tackles against Louisville and Temple...Four solos against Louisville...Five solos, 3 assisted against Notre Dame. Four solos against Temple...after successfully moving to free safety in the 1997 season, Cirino enjoyed a fine year, finishing second in the BIG EAST in tackles in 97...a tremendously talented athlete, with great range, he will anchor the BC secondary again in 1999.
Marc Colombo
OL 6-8 289 So. Bridgewater, MA (Bridgewater-Raynham)
Looks to see a significant increase in playing time in 99 along the offensive line...continues to improve and coaches believe he can be a future star.
John Colontrelle
LB 6-0 222 Jr. Vero Beach, FL (St. Edward's)
A walk-on who joined the Eagles during spring practice in 1997...a hard worker who could see increased playing time in 1999... could also see action on the special teams units.
Michael Cook
OL 6-5 300 Jr. Walpole, MA (Walpole)
With his excellent size and fine athletic ability, coaches say Cook has a fine future as an offensive lineman for the Eagles...has already made great strides since arriving at the Heights; he could win a starting position along the line...has improved his strength in the weight room.
Kevin Costello
DB 5-9 178 Jr. Topsfield, MA (Masconomet)
Joined the team as a walk-on in January 1997...Saw some action during the 1998 campaign and should see increased playing time in 1999....could see some special teams action this fall...will also provide depth in the defensive backfield.
Kevin Crane
DL 6-4 257 So. Wixom MI (Walled Lake Western)
Crane will look to provide depth to the Eagles' defensive line...A former All-Stater at tight end and outside linebacker at Walled Lake Western High School.
Derrick Crittenden
WR 5-9 183 Sr. Annandale, VA (Annandale)
Looks to become a major part of the Eagles' offense this season at wide receiver...Played in five games in 1998 season, with 6 receptions for 73 yards...One reception for 22 yards against Notre Dame...Hauled in a touchdown reception against Syracuse...Two receptions for 15 yards vs. West Virginia...has excellent hands and superb quickness...the coaches look at him as their utility man, versatile enough to play various roles.
DuJuan Daniels
DB 5-11 170 So. Indianapolis, IN (Bishop Chatard)
A potential future star in the Eagle secondary...Saw significant playing time last season in seven games as a true freshman...Twelve total tackles on the year, 9 solo...Two tackles for loss...Hauled down two interceptions and broke up four passes...Indiana's Mr. Football in 1997, Daniels finished his career with 3,900 rushing yards and 48 rushing touchdowns all in two seasons; also made 89 career receptions, including 13 TD grabs...earned USA Today's Indiana Player of the Year honor as a senior running back/defensive back at Bishop Chatard.
Steve Dapra
WR 5-11 171 Jr. Oakmont, PA (Riverview)
Made the move from running back to wide receiver during the spring of 1997, and as he continues to pick up the fine points of the position, he'll contend for more playing time this fall...had his action limited during 98 spring drills because of a hamstring injury, but returned to make a 43-yard touchdown reception in the annual spring game...the coaching staff believes he can contribute this fall.
Dedrick Dewalt
WR 5-9 169 So. Chicago, IL (Simeon Vocational)
Played in 8 games last season as a wide receiver, registering 13 catches for 140 yards...Also shagged 5 punts for 57 yards...An all-around player, he could make a significant contribution to the BC team this season...Had 3 receptions for 35 yards and a touchdown against Miami...After sitting out his first season, Dewalt impressed the coaching staff in last year's spring drills.
Robert Ellis
TE 6-4 252 Jr. Baytown, TX (Robert E. Lee)
Hampered by injury much of last season, he played in 7 games...Had nine receptions for 99 yards...Caught 2 passes for 21 yards against Virginia Tech...Earned All-State honorable mention and was a member of the Texas Top 100 team in high school.
Nathan Funk
RB 5-11 193 So. Vancouver, Canada (Sentinel)
Saw action on special teams last season...Had 1 solo tackle against Temple...Joined the team as a walk-on last fall...Will provide depth at the running back position... Carried the ball 12 times for 51 yards in the 1998 spring game; also made one reception for five yards.
Antonio Garay
DL 6-4 265 So. Rahway, NJ (Rahway)
Saw significant playing time as a true freshman in 1998 and could challenge for a starting spot this fall...Finished 98 season with 19 tackles, 11 solos...Two TFLs in 1998...Earned Prep Star All-America and All-New Jersey Group III honors as a senior defensive end at Rahway High School...was a three-time All-Union County selection, capturing first team accolades in 1997.
Kenney Gaskins
WR 5-9 167 So. Mitchellville, MD (Good Counsel)
Could challenge for playing time at wide receiver for the Eagles this fall...Saw limited action for the Eagles last fall...Earned All-Metropolitan honors as a senior wide receiver at Good Counsel High School in Wheaton, Md.
Adam Grace
DL 6-3 272 Jr. Kings Park, NY (Kings Park)
Coaches are counting on him to be a mainstay along the front seven this season...Started all 11 games at defensive tackle last year...Had 36 unassisted tackles and 22 assisted...Had one sack...Five solo tackles and one sack against Syracuse...Five solos against Georgia Tech...Five solos and one assisted against Temple...Underwent successful surgery on his right shoulder during the spring of 1997...Earned All-America honors during high school campaign.
Mike Guazzo
TE 6-3 230 Jr. Oakland, NJ (Indian Hills)
Made a temporary move from wide receiver to linebacker last spring, but has since been moved to tight end; he was originally slated to play tight end for the Eagles, but his athleticism has allowed the coaches to experiment with him at other positions...Redshirted last season...Played in all 11 games in the 1997 season as a full-time wide receiver...He was one of nine true freshmen who earned varsity letters during the 1996 season...A three-time All-County, All-Suburban and All-League selection at Indian Hills High School.
Sean Guthrie
DL 6-4 241 So. Miami, FL (Christopher Columbus)
Played in six games and had four unassisted tackles during the 1998 season...Had 2 solos against Temple...Also had two solos against Louisville...Has impressed the coaches with his pass-rushing abilities...Earned All-County and All-League honors as a senior defensive lineman at Christopher Columbus High School.
Tim Hasselbeck
QB 6-2 211 Jr. Norfolk, MA (Xaverian Brothers)
One of three quarterbacks vying for the starting nod this spring...Has the most game experience among the three; he saw action in six games during the 1998 season, completing 9 of 12 passes for 140 yards and two touchdowns...Threw a 46-yarder against Louisville...Went 2-for-3 for 26 yards against Syracuse...Racked up 46 yards against Miami...Coaches look at him as a strong competitor who is able to improvise, a strong quality in a quarterback...His brother, Matt, who served as the Eagles' starting quarterback for the past two seasons, is now a member of the Green Bay Packers.
Chris Hovan
DL 6-3 285 Sr. Rocky River, OH (St. Ignatius)
An All-Conference and All-America candidate in 1999...Started all 11 games at the nose guard spot in 1998...Was second on the team with 81 tackles...Led the team with five sacks...Had 1 breakup and 9 QB hurries...Had 5 solos and 3 assisted and a sack against Temple...Had 3 solos and 4 assisted against Rutgers...Racked up 7 solos and 2 sacks against Notre Dame...All-BIG EAST first team selection the past two seasons...The Eagle coaching staff believes Hovan rates among the nation's premier defensive linemen...Has significantly increased his strength...the coaches call him one of the hardest-working members of the team.
RaMon Johnson
DB 5-10 187 Jr. Warrensville Heights, OH (Warrensville Heights)
Gained significant experience in 1998, playing in all 11 games...He registered 21 unassisted tackles, 31 assisted...Had an interception (vs. Pittsburgh), 3 pass break-ups and a quarterback hurry...Had 5 tackles against Louisville...Registered 4 tackles against Miami...After missing the 1997 season because of injuries, Johnson returned to action during spring 1998 workouts...Moved from his former wide receiver post to the cornerback position during the spring of 1997; had made some big strides during spring practice, before tearing ligaments (ACL) in his left knee in April (1997); underwent surgery the following month.
Matt Knapp
OL 6-5 308 So. Stony Brook, NY (St. Anthony's)
Saw some playing time in 1998 season and could make a significant contribution in 1999...Big, strong and physical, Knapp came to Boston College weighing 330 pounds, but has played himself down to nearly 300... Has good strength with a wide body...can really excel in run blocking...Earned All-State honors as a senior offensive tackle.
Pat Kneib
DL 6-3 238 Jr. Kansas City, MO (Rockhurst)
After spending one year on the offensive line, Kneib switched back to the defensive side of the ball in the 1997 season...Played in four games, with 4 unassisted tackles and one assisted, during the 98 campaign...Could be a key factor in the Eagles' front line of defense in 98...An outstanding student, he earned the Gerald B. Healy Scholarship for Academic Excellence...A two-time recipient of the Athletic Director's Award for Academic Achievement, he's twice led the football team in overall grade-point average.
Paul LaQuerre
OL 6-3 305 Jr. West Barnstable, MA (Barnstable)
Coaches look for him to challenge for a starting spot along the offensive line this fall...A young and talented lineman; played his first year on the left side... His strength is his greatest asset; he's one of the top lifters on the team...Earned All-America honors from USA Today as a high school senior.
Steve Martin
LB 6-2 218 Jr. Dolton, IL (Mt. Carmel)
Saw significant playing time in 8 Eagle games last fall...Registered 21 total tackles (12 solo) during the 98 campaign...Was inserted right into the Eagles' defensive line-up in his true freshman season...Made solid contributions in 1997, but was slowed during a battle with pneumonia...A hard-working and very coachable individual with a bright future.
John Matich
PK 6-2 203 Sr. San Diego, CA (Mira Mesa)
One of the top returning placekickers in the BIG EAST...Went 11-17 in field goals last season...Was perfect for PATs (32-32)...Had 65 points...Hit a 53-yarder against Miami...Notched two field goals on three different occasions (against Georgia Tech, Rutgers and Notre Dame)...Has established himself as an efficient kicker for BC...As a redshirt freshman, he began his varsity career in fine fashion, ending the Hawaii game with a 42-yard field goal to give the Eagles a 24-21 win...Great worker and student of the game; he ardently studies film of other kickers for technique.
Joe Mickens
LB 6-0 207 Sr. Lakehurst, NJ (Manchester Township)
Made the move from running back to outside linebacker prior to the 1997 season...Played in 5 games last season...Had 5 solos and 3 assisted tackles...Registered two tackles against Notre Dame...Coaches look for him to add depth to the linebacker corps this fall...He also could be a key contributor on special teams this fall.
Carlos Moore
DB 5-10 185 So. Tallahassee, FL (Leon)
After splitting his first year between running back and defensive back, Moore spent the 98 campaign on the defensive side of the ball...Had 3 solos against Georgia Tech...Also registered 4 unassisted tackles and an interception on the year...Earned All-District honors as a senior linebacker at Leon High School.
Adam Newman
DL 6-5 236 Sr. Dedham, MA (Xaverian Brothers)
Coaches look to move Newman to the defensive line this fall...Newman hopes to continue to improve on defense after his conversion from tight end...Started all 11 games for the Eagles during the 1998 season...Registered 44 tackles in 98 (29 solos)...Also had two fumble recoveries...Registered 3 solos against Navy, Notre Dame & Georgia Tech...Earned All-America honors in high school from USA Today and Blue Chip Illustrated.
Jonathan Ordway
DB 5-10 176 So. Seffner, FL (Armwood)
Started all 11 games during the 1998 season...Had 54 tackles, 4 pass breakups...Registered 5 tackles against Louisville and Georgia Tech...Registered breakups against Louisville, Rutgers, Pittsburgh and Virginia Tech...Had 6 solos, 3 assisted and a forced fumble against Miami...A versatile athlete, he is also a sprinter on the Eagles' track team.
Butch Palaza
OL 6-4 287 Sr. Quincy, MA (Quincy)
Could challenge for the starting center position in 1999...Hampered by injury during part of the 1998 season...Has worked hard since coming to BC, adding 20 pounds of muscle...Played behind All-BIG EAST center Damien Woody last season...a real solid performer who is versatile enough to play any of the three inside positions.
Emmerson Phillips
DB 6-0 180 So. North York, Ontario (Milford Academy)
Saw some game and special teams action for the Eagles last season...Could challenge for significantly more playing time this season...Played his senior season at Milford (CT) Academy after spending the previous three years at Northern Secondary School in Toronto...led the nation with a 55-yard kick return average at Milford Academy; he turned his first two kick returns into 99-yard touchdowns...at Northern SS, he captured All-Canada honors and All-Ontario honors as a defensive back and kick returner.
John Richardson
OL 6-3 271 So. Cincinnati, OH (St. Xavier)
Another player who could challenge for more playing time along the offensive line this fall...Has worked hard in the weight room and has lost nearly 40 pounds since arriving at BC...Very athletic, Richardson has great feet and can run...Hails from St. Xavier High School, the alma mater of Eagles' head coach Tom O'Brien.
Dave Robbins
QB 6-0 204 Jr. Nescopeck, PA (Berwick Area)
In the mix for the starting quarterback job with Tim Hasselbeck and Brian St. Pierre...BC's coaches say he has greatly improved his overall conditioning level and strength through offseason work...had two completions for 24 yards in the 1998 spring game...Earned All-America honors from USA Today, National Recruiting Advisor and Max Emfinger's Bluechips in high school.
Andy Romanowsky
LB 6-2 230 So. Lowell, MA (Lowell)
Made a significant contribution in 1998 as a true freshman...In 8 games, he registered 24 tackles, 14 solos...One tackle for a loss last season...Earned USA Today All-America honorable mention accolades as a senior linebacker at Lowell High School; captured All-America honors from PrepStar...gained Lowell Sun All-Scholastic honors...was a two-time All-Merrimack Valley Conference choice...led his Lowell team with 110 tackles; had five sacks, five fumble recoveries and two interceptions...An excellent all-around athlete, he played baseball and basketball at Lowell High as a freshman and sophomore, and played lacrosse as a junior.
Carlton Rowe
RB 5-11 200 Sr. Huntington, NY (Walt Whitman)
Coaches are counting on him to help vill the void at running back left by the departure of Mike Cloud...Saw action in six games last year...Four carries for 21 yards...Ran for 18 yards against Syracuse on 3 carries...Missed several games due to a sprained ankle...After a successful 1997 season in the defensive backfield, Rowe made the move to running back last spring...an excellent athlete who could be an explosive force on offense.
Brian St. Pierre
QB 6-4 185 Rsf. Danvers, MA (St. John's Prep)
In the race for the starting quarterback spot, along with Dave Robbins and Tim Hasselbeck...Redshirted last season...Set every single-season and career quarterback record at St. John's Prep: completions, attempts, touchdown passes, touchdown rushes, completion percentage and games played...threw for 3,700 yards in his schoolboy career...earned All-America honors from Tom Lemming, PrepStar and SuperPrep magazines; made PrepStar's Dream Team...captured Massachusetts and New England Gatorade Player of the Year accolades...served as team captain for the 1997 St. John's team that finished 11-0, winning the state and New England crowns; the 1997 team was ranked 22nd in the nation by USA Today.
D. J. Sutton
DB 5-8 159 Jr.Hamilton, OH (Hamilton)
Started the first six games of the 1998 season before suffering a tear in his anterior cruciate ligament (right knee)...Won't see action in spring drills, but should be ready to go for fall...Registered 6 tackles against Louisville...Notched 7 tackles against Syracuse and 4 against Temple...Played his way into the starting lineup at the end of the 1997 season.
Ryan Utzler
FB 6-2 228 So. Easton, CT (Fairfield Prep)
Came in as fullback last season as a redshirt freshman and paid big dividends for the Eagles' running game...Following the injury to Greg Bartlett, he started 10 games for the Eagles...His big frame eases the running game with key blocks...Caught 2 passes for 7 yards...Coaching staff moved him to fullback from tight end to linebacker...slated to battle for the starting fullback spot with Greg Bartlett.
Cedric Washington
RB 5-10 197 Jr. Holyoke, MA (Holyoke)
Coaches look for Washington to help vill the void created by the departure of Mike Cloud...BC's leading returning rusher...He played in 10 games for the Eagles last year...Had 37 attempts for 173 yards...Averaged 4.7 yards per carry...Had 4 carries for 54 yards against Navy...Racked up 53 yards in 8 carries against Miami...Rushed for 22 yards on five carries in the 1998 spring game...Could also contribute with his kickoff return duties.
George White
DB 6-1 200 Sr. North Royalton, OH (North Royalton)
The strong safety started all 11 games last season and racked up 75 tackles, good for fourth on the team...Also had an interception, broke up 3 passes, forced a fumble and had 3 QB hurries...Registered 6 solo and 1 assisted tackle against Georgia Tech..Had an interception and 4 solos against Virginia Tech...7 solos, 1 assisted and a breakup against Rutgers...10 solo and 1 assisted against Navy...A talented defensive back with tremendous talent in pass coverage...Should help to make the secondary one of BC's strengths..Has the physical skills to be an outstanding deep defender...he is also a member of the Boston College track team...one of the leading long jumpers on the Boston College track team...one of the leading long jumpers on the East Coast...as a sophomore, he placed second in the long jump (23' 2.50) at the New England Indoor Track Championships...finished third in the long jump (23' 4 1/2) at the BIG EAST Indoor Track Championships...placed fifth in the long jump (24' 2.50) at the BIG EAST Outdoor Track Championship.
Mike Willetts
DL 6-4 285 Sr. Alexandria, Va (West Potomac)
Made a huge contribution to the Eagle defense his junior season...Started all 11 games...Finished fifth on the team in tackles with 71 (43 solo)...9 tackles for a loss...Registered 5 sacks...Two breakups and 7 quarterback hurries...He and Chris Hovan will form the backbone of the defensive line...played in all 11 games as a sophomore...a bona fide All-BIG EAST candidate, his hard work could yield top honors.
Paul Zukauskas
OL 6-5 306 Jr. Weymouth, MA (Boston College)
Nailed down the starting right tackle spot last fall...He and Darnell Alford will anchor the BC offensive line this fall...Earned a letter as a true freshman after establishing himself as a presence on the offensive line...a strong, physical player who has a great work ethic.
