Plenty of good news for Eagles
Boston College tight end Tommy Sweeney and right guard Chris Lindstrom received three pieces of good news at the conclusion of the regular season.
Sweeney and Lindstrom were informed Nov. 26 they were All-ACC first-team selections along with sophomore tailback AJ Dillon and junior cornerback Hamp Cheevers.
Last Friday, Sweeney, Lindstrom, defensive end Zach Allen and strong safety Will Harris received invitations to the Senior Bowl on Jan. 29 in Mobile, Ala. Allen and Harris were All-ACC second-teamers, and all four are expected to be NFL draft picks in April.
“We have four guys going to the Senior Bowl, and it’s tremendous,” BC head coach Steve Addazio said. “I don’t think any of them were five-star (high school recruits), and in fact, I’m sure none of them were four stars.
“They are really smart, tough, talented, hard-working guys that have worked their tails off for this program, and now they are going to the Senior Bowl. That’s a great thing, and I’m really proud of them, and I’m really happy for them. What a great opportunity, so I’m jacked for all of them.”
The Eagles’ high times continued Sunday night when BC (7-5) was selected to play Boise State (10-3) in the First Responder Bowl on Dec. 26 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.
“I’m excited that we have the opportunity to play in a bowl game against a great program like Boise State, playing in the Cotton Bowl,” said Lindstrom, who will make his 48th consecutive start and 51st appearance. “It’s going to be a great venue, and I’m excited for our team to get its eighth win.
“We play in one of the best conferences in the country, but there’s great teams everywhere, and Boise State is one of those teams. I’m trying to end my BC career and as a senior class trying to do something special here and get our eighth win.”
The First Responder Bowl is a chance for the four leaders to finalize their legacies at The Heights, while the Senior Bowl presents an outstanding opportunity to secure future employment in the NFL. Four of the past five BC players drafted in the NFL came from the defensive backfield. The list includes Justin Simmons (Broncos), John Johnson (Rams), Isaac Yiadom (Broncos) and Kamrin Moore (Giants), and they made a lasting impression on Harris.
“I’m appreciative of those guys and everything they have taught me on and off the field as far as technique and leadership,” Harris said. “I feel like that’s been my job, especially as captain, that’s my job from Day 1.”
Harris understands that a good showing in front of the pro scouts at the First Responder Bowl and the Senior Bowl will punch his ticket to the next level.
“It’s exciting, a chance to go out and compete against some of the best guys around the nation, and especially with my teammates who also got invited,” Harris said. “At the same time, my priority is looking forward to this bowl game and getting prepared for this bowl game.
“That’s making sure we have senior leadership and we’re prepared for this game.”