Boston College Athletics
Media Day: Assistant Coaches Quotes
August 13, 2015 | Football
Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Coach Don Brown
On the defensive backs…
“They are one unit that really knows what they are doing. They play at a high level even though the two corners are young. They are only sophomores but they are very talented guys. [Justin] Simmons is at another level right now because he can get himself in and out of trouble. Therefore he can get our group in and out of difficulty. Same thing with [Steven] Daniels; he’s back and improved. We have got some depth up front, which I think will pay some dividends for us late in the football game.”
On the youth of the defense…
“You have to put the time in, pay the dues and face adversity. You have to be put in tough situations and respond in those situations. When you can develop confidence in those situations and experiences, we hope that can spread to the rest of the unit. We are so young. I happened to look up yesterday and we have four freshmen in the secondary. That’s kind of interesting. I’m not concerned about their athleticism but I am concerned - because you are trying to get them to understand concepts and all the wrinkles that we do. So it’s a challenge.”
On the growth of the defensive line…
“That’s been an area of great growth for us and in recruiting we have been trying to find the types of guys that can really help us. We have [graduate transfer] Evan Kelly, who is going to be a thumper for us. [Freshman] Ray Smith is going to be a good player inside. They are good football players, especially in those pass rush situations.
“One of the things that we have talked about is attacking protections in five-, six- or seven-man pressures, but when you have four guys who you can rotate fresh legs, then it’s on you for what you want to do. If you want you can rush four, you rush four, if you want to rush five, you rush five. If you want to rush six, that’s great. Ultimately, due to our health and depth that was the way we had to do things to get things done.”
Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach Todd Fitch
On the running backs…
“Due to the physical style of offense, depth and durability at running back is important. Keeping the backs fresh throughout the game and season is important. Our offensive unit will be looking to the running backs to carry the load early in the season in order to help the passing game.”
On the passing game…
“Passing game takes timing. Offensive line, quarterbacks and wide receivers - all take time to build chemistry. Through four days of camp, there have been flashes good things. Now we are looking to get better every day.”
On sophomore WR Sherman Alston …
“He was a big jet-sweep guy last year. We have been focused on making him a more complete receiver this coming season; showing more consistency at wide-out. He’s a playmaker and we need to find ways to get him his touches.”
Running Backs Coach Al Washington
On comparing sophomore RB Jon Hilliman to Andre Williams…
“As long as he continues to develop his fundamentals and body, no reason to think he can’t reach the standard Andre set. They are both are big backs who have speed. You either have it or you don’t. Jon has rare speed for his size. The sky is the limit for him. He is our leader in the running backs unit.”
