Petrula tackles old job on offensive line
Ben Petrula is relearning the position he was recruited to play at Boston College.
The 6-foot-5, 325-pound sophomore from Freehold, N.J., will start at right tackle when the Eagles open the season Saturday against UMass at Alumni Stadium.
“I worked right tackle in spring ball and that was my position coming in,” said Petrula following yesterday’s steamy practice session.
“I feel comfortable back at right tackle and I’m starting to learn the specifics again. All of training camp was just about getting better and better. I know the position now and it’s just a case of improving.”
Petrula’s career track was rerouted under extraordinary and dire circumstances in the aftermath of BC’s 23-20 victory at Northern Illinois in the 2017 season opener.
Senior center Jon Baker, who went into that season on the Rimington Trophy watchlist, suffered a season-ending knee injury at NIU. Baker’s backup at the time, Shane Leonard, was also out with an injury, leaving the offensive front without a point man for quarterback Anthony Brown.
The center position comes with responsibilities that are challenging, even for a veteran with experience on Baker’s level. For a freshman such as Petrula, it probably seems beyond comprehension.
Petrula embraced the opportunity and started 12 games on an offense that finished third in the ACC in rushing. ESPN recognized his contributions with Freshman All-America honors.
“The morning after the (NIU) game they brought me and (guard) Chris Lindstrom in to snap the ball because at that time we weren’t sure of the extent of Jon Baker’s injury,” said Petrula.
“Losing a guy as important to our offensive line as Baker was scary and we were trying to figure out what we were going to do. Getting a young guy into a position that is so vital was pretty exciting and the coaches and the older guys really worked with me.”
Petrula’s first order of business was establishing a rapport with Brown, mastering the shotgun snap and recognizing and addressing defensive shifts that take place before the snap.
“It was tough at first and it was more about getting to know AB and getting a rhythm with the (offensive) line and fill the spot of a guy that was so important,” said Petrula.
Petrula’s transition found traction in the Eagles’ 45-42 upset victory at Louisville on Oct. 14. The Eagles offensive line blew up the Cardinals defensive front and created spacious running lanes for freshman tailback AJ Dillon.
Dillon rushed for 272 yards on 39 carries with four touchdowns that included a 75-yard ramble that put BC up 42-28 with 11:59 to play in the fourth.
“That was a huge game for us up front and for the team as a whole,” said Petrula. “AJ had four rushing touchdowns and that was awesome for us and him and was a huge turning point for us.
“That game got our confidence up and started the roll we went on at the end of year.”
Baker’s return along with the emergence of sophomore Alec Lindstrom as backup center allowed Petrula to play exclusively on the right flank in training camp.
“Ben Petrula is amazing and he has your back in every situation,” said Dillon. “As a running back that is what you need from a lineman and what he did as freshman getting thrust in that role.
“He’s a tough guy and he adapted.”