Luchetti, Barry pose big threat at tight end
Boston College opened the 2021 season with every position on offense occupied by a returning starter except tight end.
Hunter Long, the AP second team All American and ACC first team tight end, left early for the NFL Draft and was taken in the third round by the Miami Dolphins.
Long led the nation in receptions (57) and yards (685) by a tight end along with five touchdowns. Long developed into a prolific blocker having played in a 12-personnel power run scheme for tailback AJ Dillon (Packers) in his first two years at BC.
Eagles coach Jeff Hafley and offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti have made up for the lost production by platooning two diverse tight ends, incumbent Joey Luchetti and graduate transfer Trae Barry.
Luchetti, a 6-5, 243-pound, redshirt junior from Wayland is the designated blocker. Like Long, Luchetti developed his blocking skills in the double tight end formation. Luchetti has contributed to the passing game with seven catches for 83 yards with a long of 39 that he made during a thirdquarter touchdown drive in last Saturday’s 19-13 loss at Clemson. BC resumes ACC play on Oct. 16 at 7:30 p.m. against North Carolina State (4-1) at Alumni Stadium
Barry has been the Eagles’ biggest offensive contributor to come out of the NCAA transfer portal. The 6-6, 244pound, Barry transferred from Jacksonville State and became an impact receiver from the start. Barry has 14 catches for 241 yards for 17.21 yards per catch average and two touchdowns. Barry had a season high seven receptions for 82 yards at Clemson.
Barry made the athletic play of the year in the season opener against Colgate. On second and two from the BC 49, Phil Jurkovec hit Barry on a crossing route over the middle. Barry found a seam down the left sideline, hurdled Colgate cornerback Keshaun Dancy at the 10 and scored to give BC a 14-0 lead with 10:40 to play in the first half.
“They are little different than Hunter, but as a combination we really like throwing to the tight ends,” said Hafley. “In our gameplan there are certain times we are trying to get the tight end the ball.
“But things go through progression and if the tight ends get open, we throw them the ball. I thought they played well (at Clemson) and I know they are going to get better.”
The new Isaiah
Linebacker was the strength position on the BC defense in 2020 led by OLB Isaiah McDuffie (Packers) and MLB Max Richardson (Raiders). McDuffie led the way with 107 tackles while Richardson netted 99 with a team high eight TFL’s.
While Barry has been the significant portal émigré on offense, the same can be said for MLB Isaiah Graham-Mobley on defense. The 6-1, 230pound, transfer from Temple led the Eagles with eight tackles against Clemson, matching his season high.
In five starts, GrahamMobley has amassed at team high 36 tackles with 23 solos and 13 assists. He has also contributed on the pass rush while working a system that puts him in position to make plays.
“I think a lot of it has to do with his experience in the scheme,” said Hafley. “He’s played five games and he’s comfortable because he knows what he is doing.
“The D-line is freeing him up and in our scheme that guy is going to have a lot of tackles.”
Special effects
Special teams coach Matt Thurin’s units made positive contributions against Clemson. Punter Grant Carlson flipped the field with a 72yarder and averaged 49.2 yards on six punts. Freshman DE Neto Okpala blocked a punt while kicker Connor Lytton, who began training camp third on the depth chart, was 2-for-2 on field goal attempts with a PAT. Lytton is 4-of-4 on field goals with a career long of 49 yards.