Boston College Athletics
Patrick Towles: A New Beginning
November 19, 2016 | Football
Making the choice to come north was difficult, but one that Towles does not regret
What do you want to be when you grow up? It's a question that every child is asked.
From a young age, graduate quarterback Patrick Towles knew exactly what he wanted to be - the quarterback for the University of Kentucky Wildcats.
Growing up near the university, Towles was raised to bleed that Kentucky blue. With his parents meeting there as students and his sister going to school there, it was in his genes to be a Wildcat.
"I've been a Kentucky guy my whole life and I have always been a Kentucky fan. Whether it was football or basketball I loved it," said Towles.
Earning the title of Gatorade Player of the Year, Towles' dream became a reality and he was offered a scholarship to play football at Kentucky. Following in the footsteps of his family, Towles excelled on the field for the Wildcats playing in 28 games over three seasons with 22 starts.
After redshirting in his sophomore season and graduating a semester early, Towles had a year of eligibility remaining, but was uncertain Kentucky was still the perfect fit for him. Graduating in December of 2015, Towles spent the weeks leading up to that to consider if he would stay at the school he dreamt of playing for as a kid or if there were better opportunities for him elsewhere.Â
"For two or three weeks I spoke with people I was really close to, people I really trusted, and they gave me really good advice and made me feel confident with my decision."
That decision was to leave his family's alma mater and head north to Boston College.
"I looked at it as a fresh start for me. I don't regret my four years there at all and I liked everyone a lot, but I think it was really nice for me to get a breath of fresh air up here in the northeast. It's been awesome."
Moving from the warmth and comfort of Kentucky, Towles made his way up to Boston in January and quickly had to adjust to his new life. With the help of his new teammates, specifically senior offensive linemen Jim Cashman, he felt not only welcomed, but was able to feel a sense of comfort on the new campus.
"Jim (Cashman) was the first person at the house when I got there. He was great in helping me out when I needed something and making sure I felt right at home."
Throughout the spring and summer, Towles took a backseat role to absorb as much information as he could. Not only did he just want to fit into the system of the team, but he wanted to get to know the players he would soon call family.
Fast forward to the first game of the season and Towles no longer found himself in the backseat, but he was the leader of the team on the field as the starting quarterback. Earning his spot, Towles has started every game for the Eagles this season.
Against UConn, he will play in the last home game of his collegiate career - not as a Wildcat as he had imagined as a kid, but as an Eagle. Something he himself still can't wrap his head around.
"Never in my life, never in my life. I grew up wanting nothing more than being the quarterback at Kentucky. That was my goal. If you had told me this time last year that I would have my senior day in a maroon and gold jersey I would say you were crazy. It's surreal but I am so gracious and thankful."
It has been 11 months since he left his home in Kentucky, but by no means has that time gone by slowly. At times, Towles feels like he just got here and that his journey is just beginning. But in reality, it's almost over and come January, he will be just another student.
Towles admits that he still bleeds blue. He cheers on his former teammates from a distance, tries to watch what he can and looks forward to watching John Calipari and the men's basketball team push for another national championship.
Make no mistake though. Ever since stepping into Alumni Stadium, Towles' heart was set on Boston College. He may only get one season in Chestnut Hill, but his impact will last much longer.
From a young age, graduate quarterback Patrick Towles knew exactly what he wanted to be - the quarterback for the University of Kentucky Wildcats.
Growing up near the university, Towles was raised to bleed that Kentucky blue. With his parents meeting there as students and his sister going to school there, it was in his genes to be a Wildcat.
"I've been a Kentucky guy my whole life and I have always been a Kentucky fan. Whether it was football or basketball I loved it," said Towles.
Earning the title of Gatorade Player of the Year, Towles' dream became a reality and he was offered a scholarship to play football at Kentucky. Following in the footsteps of his family, Towles excelled on the field for the Wildcats playing in 28 games over three seasons with 22 starts.
After redshirting in his sophomore season and graduating a semester early, Towles had a year of eligibility remaining, but was uncertain Kentucky was still the perfect fit for him. Graduating in December of 2015, Towles spent the weeks leading up to that to consider if he would stay at the school he dreamt of playing for as a kid or if there were better opportunities for him elsewhere.Â
"For two or three weeks I spoke with people I was really close to, people I really trusted, and they gave me really good advice and made me feel confident with my decision."
That decision was to leave his family's alma mater and head north to Boston College.
"I looked at it as a fresh start for me. I don't regret my four years there at all and I liked everyone a lot, but I think it was really nice for me to get a breath of fresh air up here in the northeast. It's been awesome."
Moving from the warmth and comfort of Kentucky, Towles made his way up to Boston in January and quickly had to adjust to his new life. With the help of his new teammates, specifically senior offensive linemen Jim Cashman, he felt not only welcomed, but was able to feel a sense of comfort on the new campus.
"Jim (Cashman) was the first person at the house when I got there. He was great in helping me out when I needed something and making sure I felt right at home."
Throughout the spring and summer, Towles took a backseat role to absorb as much information as he could. Not only did he just want to fit into the system of the team, but he wanted to get to know the players he would soon call family.
Fast forward to the first game of the season and Towles no longer found himself in the backseat, but he was the leader of the team on the field as the starting quarterback. Earning his spot, Towles has started every game for the Eagles this season.
Against UConn, he will play in the last home game of his collegiate career - not as a Wildcat as he had imagined as a kid, but as an Eagle. Something he himself still can't wrap his head around.
"Never in my life, never in my life. I grew up wanting nothing more than being the quarterback at Kentucky. That was my goal. If you had told me this time last year that I would have my senior day in a maroon and gold jersey I would say you were crazy. It's surreal but I am so gracious and thankful."
It has been 11 months since he left his home in Kentucky, but by no means has that time gone by slowly. At times, Towles feels like he just got here and that his journey is just beginning. But in reality, it's almost over and come January, he will be just another student.
Towles admits that he still bleeds blue. He cheers on his former teammates from a distance, tries to watch what he can and looks forward to watching John Calipari and the men's basketball team push for another national championship.
Make no mistake though. Ever since stepping into Alumni Stadium, Towles' heart was set on Boston College. He may only get one season in Chestnut Hill, but his impact will last much longer.
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