Boston College Football Holds Annual Senior Banquet

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. – Senior defensive end Zach Allen was presented with the Scanlan Award at the annual senior awards banquet Sunday afternoon inside Gasson Hall. Allen received Boston College's highest football honor given to the senior who best embodies the ideals of Tom Scanlan, class of 1920.

A courageous and inspiring fullback who played both offense and defense for the Eagle teams of 1916, 1917, and 1919, forgoing the 1918 season for military service in World War I, Thomas F. Scanlan was a popular student-athlete and beloved alumnus, who was elected Varsity Club President for five consecutive years (1942-1946). He was inducted into the Boston College Varsity Club Athletic Hall of Fame in 1972.

A second-team All-America selection by Pro Football Focus, Allen was one of the nation's most disruptive defensive linemen in 2018. Allen led BC in tackles-for-loss (15.0) and ranks among the top 10 in school history in sacks and TFLs. He was rated by Pro Football Focus as the top edge rusher in the ACC and was a semifinalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy. Allen is one of four Eagles who will play in the Senior Bowl next month in Mobile, Ala.

Senior captain and strong safety Will Harris and graduate student tight end Tommy Sweeney earned the William J. Flynn award as the team's most valuable player. Sweeney was named the ACC's top tight end after finishing second on the team in receptions (32) and third in receiving yards (348). The John Mackey semifinalist was an All-ACC third-team selection in 2017.Harris, an All-ACC third-team honoree, finished with 75 tackles, fourth on the team. He started all 12 games from his strong safety position and was a four-year contributor for the Eagles.

Senior offensive lineman Chris Lindstrom received the Coaches' Award, decided upon by head coach Steve Addazio and his staff. The Coaches' Award is given to the player who exemplifies the coaching staff's attitude toward the game; a performer whose style of play reflects what has been taught and sometimes what simply cannot be taught; this is a person with great football instincts. Lindstrom was named a second-team All-American by The Athletic and was an All-ACC selection. Lindstrom finished the 2018 season with the No. 1 pass blocking grade (90.9) nationally of any offensive guard. He allowed zero sacks, zero QB hits and just three hurries on 370 pass blocks in 2018 (pressure rate allowed: 0.8%) according to Pro Football Focus. Lindstrom ranked No. 1 in the nation among guards this season (min 200 pass blocks) with a pass block efficiency of 99.6.

Senior defensive back Lukas Denis was given the Jay McGillis Award, given to the defensive back that best exemplifies the personal qualities of team dedication and leadership by example, an extraordinary competitive spirit and a personal concern for family, friends and teammates. Denis, a 2017 Walter Camp All-American, totaled eight interceptions over the last two seasons as the starter at free safety. His 59-yard interception return for a touchdown in the season-opener over UMass was the first pick-six of Denis' career.

Senior wide receiver/return specialist Michael Walker was presented with the Special Teams Award. A Walter Camp All-America second-team selection, Walker is the nation's leader in combined kick return yards for the second consecutive season after 1,294 combined kick return yards in 2018. An All-ACC Second Team selection, Walker ranks seventh nationally in punt returns this season.

The Florida native ranks among the top three in BC history in career kickoff and punt return yardage. His 74-yard punt return for a touchdown against No. 2 Clemson was the first punt return touchdown of Walker's career.

Graduate student linebacker Kevin Bletzer earned the Perseverance Award, given to the player who faces adversity head on and works relentlessly to overcome any obstacle placed in front of them and continually displays mental toughness. Bletzer played in all 12 games at linebacker and on special teams for the Eagles. He blocked a field goal at No. 23 NC State earlier in the season and has played in 50 career games for BC.

Graduate student center and captain Jon Baker was awarded the Paul Cavanaugh Award, given to the player who's collective on and off the field accomplishments speaks volumes about his commitment to balance, a level-headed outlook on life, and perspective on volunteerism, ethics and the community. Baker was an All-ACC honorable mention selection in 2018 after starting all 12 games at center for the Eagles. He has played in 47 career games for the Eagles with 38 starts at center. Baker was a two-year captain for the Eagles.

Senior defensive end Wyatt Ray was presented with the Russ Joyner Award for the most outstanding defensive lineman. An All-ACC third-team selection in 2018, Ray finished among the national leaders with 9.0 sacks in 2018. He set a school record with four sacks in the win at Wake Forest as he was named the Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week.

Senior defensive lineman Ray Smith received the Gridiron Club Award as the student-athlete who displays the determination, enthusiasm, and spirit expected from a Boston College football player. An All-ACC third-team selection, Smith was a key cog on a BC defensive line that ranked in the top 20 nationally in sacks in 2018.

Senior wide receiver Jeff Smith was named the Big Play Award recipient. Smith averaged nearly 20 yards per reception with a team-best six touchdown receptions in 2018 in addition to throwing for and rushing for a touchdown this season. Smith played in 46 career games for the Eagles at both wide receiver and quarterback.

Senior defensive back Taj-Amir Torres was given the Unsung Hero Award. Given to the player for unheralded achievement and outstanding performances recognized by teammates and coaches, the award goes to a player who is a steady performer and makes plays with fundamental football skills and a person whose leadership is found in steady play day in and day out. Torres started all 12 games and led BC with 11 pass breakups. He was rated one of the top slot cornerbacks in the ACC by Pro Football Focus.

Senior fullback Colton Cardinal was given the Loyalty Award, given to the individual who possesses an unwavering amount of support and allegiance to a long-term commitment. A standout on special teams, Cardinal has played in 37 career games for the Eagles.

Senior offensive lineman Aaron Monteiro was the recipient of the Determination Award, given to the senior who works hard on and off the field to achieve their goals and maximize their abilities. An All-ACC third-team selection, Monteiro made his 31^st consecutive career start at left tackle last time out against Syracuse for the Eagles and developed into one of the top linemen in the ACC as a senior.

Graduate student linebacker Connor Strachan received the Frank Chamberlin Outstanding Linebacker Award, given to the linebacker who exemplifies the qualities of Frank Chamberlin, former all-conference linebacker; a player who not only performs at a high level during the season but steps up in major moments to lead his team on and off the field. An All-ACC third-team honoree, Strachan led the Eagles with 91 total tackles from his middle linebacker position.

Boston College returns to a bowl game for the fifth time in six seasons on Wednesday, Dec. 26 in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl against No. 23 Boise State. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. on ESPN and the BC IMG Sports Network.

Boston College Football Holds Annual Senior Banquet

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Players Mentioned

Zach Allen

Jon Baker

Kevin Bletzer

Colton Cardinal

Lukas Denis

Will Harris

Chris Lindstrom

Aaron Monteiro

Wyatt Ray

Jeff Smith

Ray Smith

Connor Strachan

Tommy Sweeney

Taj-Amir Torres

Michael Walker

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