Matt Milano: Following in the Footsteps

Saturday, November 5

Chestnut Hill, Mass.

12 PM

Boston College

Louisville

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November 05, 2016 | Football

At Boston College, being a linebacker requires you to fill some big shoes, but for senior Matt Milano, those shoes seem to fit perfectly.

By: By Dan Lumb

In the sport of football, one of the most unique positions on the field is the linebacker. Physically, to be a successful linebacker, you need to have the speed and agility of a cornerback, but also have the power and strength of a defensive lineman.

The linebacker can also be considered the quarterback of a defense. Before each play, it is the job of the linebacker to scan over the formation of the offense. They need to check where everyone is lined up, see what changes the quarterback makes and then must orchestrate the entire defense to match up against the offensive shifts.

It is a lot of pressure being a linebacker, even more so at Boston College.

Over the past 10 years, Boston College has been known as one of the most aggressive and stingiest defenses in college football. Consistently ranked one of the top defenses in total yardage, opposing teams make a note in every scouting report highlighting the intensity of the Eagle defense.

Boston College has had great talent at the linebacker position in the last few years. When you look back at the most recent players who played the position, you see names like Mark Herzlich, Kevin Pierre-Louis and Luke Kuechly, who just had his jersey retired by the Eagles.

At Boston College, being a linebacker requires you to fill some big shoes, but for senior Matt Milano, those shoes seem to fit perfectly.

When Milano was a freshman he was immediately thrown into action. Young and eager, he was able to play in every game that season and got a taste of playing in a bowl game. Playing a similar role as a sophomore, he played in 12 of the 13 games that season.

Milano finally got his chance to break out as another dominating linebacker for the maroon and gold as a junior. He played in all 12 games that year and finished the season with 60 tackles. He recorded team highs with 17.5 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks on the year.

Now a senior, Milano has caught the attention of opposing offenses. He is a constant threat to the pass game and is an explosive blitz option.

Teams avoid attacking over the middle with Milano there. Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney acknowledged the skill of Milano in his press conference prior to the game.

"They've got two of the best linebackers we have seen on tape," said Swinney. "28 (Milano) and 13 (Strachan) are active players and Boston College always has great linebackers. For as long as I have been at Clemson, we have been playing these guys and always turn on the film to see an outstanding player at linebacker."

During his time at Boston College, Milano has recorded nearly 125 tackles, including 26 tackles for a loss and 11.5 sacks. He has also shown his athletic prowess on special teams where he has blocked three punts in his career.

Working alongside juniors Connor Strachan and Ty Schwab, the trio of linebackers has recorded 107 tackles through the first seven games of the season and it is evident that the linebackers now are just as capable as the ones that came before them.

"I wouldn't say it is a mentality because of the historical past of the team, but I think we make sure that we go hard as we can in every game we are in," said Milano.

While he tries to downplay the expectations set by previous linebackers at Boston College, Milano has quietly continued this tradition whether he is aware of it or not. He is a silent leader who uses his talents to push everyone around him.

"I just try to lead by example. You have to remember in the back of your head that all the other players are watching you, so if you take a play off, they may take a play off as well."

In May, Milano will graduate with a degree from the Lynch School of Education in applied psychology and human development. While he may not be at Boston College next year, his presence in the locker room and on the field will be remembered by many and it will be his shoes that must be filled in.