2025 Spring Practice #14 - April 10 - Boston College Athletics

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. -- Through the first four-plus weeks in Fish Field House, Syair Torrence spoke of a Spring Football fraternity.

"We've created a brotherhood and as brothers we look to keep getting better," the second-year defensive back said on Thursday. "They've helped me be who I am right now."

Torrence is part of a talented and deep secondary - one that has shined often throughout spring practice so far. "We have a lot of young guys, a lot of talented guys - we've got a lot of depth," Torrence said. "This secondary is going to be special."

The athletic defensive back from Syracuse has poured himself into the film room and play book, looking to build off a 2024 where he saw action in eight games, primarily on special teams.

"I'm more confident, I'm more comfortable around my guys. They push me to be better," he said. "I want to get into the playbook more, understanding everybody else's responsibilities more. I feel like, if I learn everybody else's positions and abilities, it will make my job easier."

Another standout over the last four-plus weeks comes from the other side of the ball. Running back Jordan McDonald has earned kudos from his teammates, as well as head coach Bill O'Brien, throughout the spring. But he is quick to deflect that praise, focusing more on the journey than the destination.

"Since the winter, my whole M.O. has been consistency and just growing up to reach that standard that Coach O'Brien has set for the team," McDonald said. "It's all about that standard. We all put our full faith and trust in this coaching staff and they're gonna take us to where we want to be."

Last year, after McDonald arrived at BC as a transfer from UCF, things started slow for him. But he never wavered in his approach.

"Last year, I came in and I didn't have the start I wanted to. I was on the scout team and I just had to learn to approach practice in a different way," said the senior from Atlanta. "It's not about myself, it's about the team and it's about the goals that the team brings for the school the community. The goal that we talk about every day in the locker room."

McDonald saw action in 10 games, carrying the ball 53 times for 361 yards and three scorers. He enjoyed a breakout performance in a key Eagles home win over Syracuse on Nov. 9, rushing 15 times for 133 yards. He also added a two-yard TD run in the Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl against Nebraska. A veteran within the running back room, McDonald was quick to point out the strength of the pack.

"I just feel like we're a very versatile room. Everyone has a bit of thunder and lightning, everyone has that shake, and everyone has that good explosiveness to really finish out long runs, long drives. The whole depth of the room is amazing."

And beyond the running back room, beyond the rushes and a single-game performances, McDonald can see the big picture within the long game. He can see the fruits of his labor, and the labor of his teammates on both sides of the ball. Beyond one position room, McDonald sees a bigger room - the locker room - and the brotherhood that has emerged after 14 practices.

"We build connections, we built memories and friendships that will last us our entire lives. It's not really about me, it was never really about me, it's never really about what I do to try to make myself better. It's about rising to the other guys who are here," said McDonald. "This is BC. We're here playing BC football. We have a great culture, it's a great name, there's a great buzz and vibe around the BC name now. And it's not about one individual, it's about everyone rising to the same standard that we have as a team. Coach O'Brien has set a really nice standard for this team."

Boston College Athletics

2025 Spring Practice #14 - April 10

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