All systems normal for BC’s Glines
Redshirt junior tailback Ben Glines is the centerpiece of the “new normal” in the Boston College offense.
Glines was the next man up when preseason AllAmerica tailback AJ Dillon went down with a rolled ankle early in the third quarter against Temple.
Glines made his first career start the next week in a 28-23 loss at No. 23 North Carolina State and will likely get the call when the Eagles (4-2, 1-1) host struggling Louisville (2-4, 0-3) on Saturday at Alumni Stadium.
“We are trying to find our groove in our new normal,” said BC coach Steve Addazio.
“It’s a little bit of the new normal because we can do the things we were doing and it’s all good stuff. But it’s different now because you are taking one of the most dominant players in the conference off the field.”
Glines proved suitable for the role of featured ball carrier by rushing for 120 yards on 23 carries with a touchdown against Temple. He came back with 90 yards on 16 carries that included rushing and receiving touchdowns against the Wolfpack.
“Whether I’m starting or whether I’m coming in after AJ, that’s kind of irrelevant to me,” said Glines. “We are going to continue to play our game and we have playmakers all over the field.
“We are not going to change up anything and coach has confidence in me and whomever we put out there.”
Glines was an accomplished running back at St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, but was recruited as a hybrid receiver and Hback. Glines suffered a season-ending injury in training camp in 2015 and came back determined to contribute on special teams and occasional snaps the following two seasons. His time with the receivers adds a wrinkle to his game out of the backfield that Dillon lacks.
The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Glines is sixth on the team in receiving with seven catches for 106 yards and three touchdowns, including an 11-yard scoring toss from quarterback Anthony Brown in the fourth quarter at N.C. State. Glines has 273 rushing yards on 49 carries with two touchdowns.
“I trust my hands and my route running out of the backfield,” said Glines. “I think we have great route running backs that we can spread throughout the field but definitely training as a receiver gives me an advantage especially if I’m matched up with a linebacker.”