It’s next man up for BC
Left tackle Conley to fill in for Vrabel
Boston College coach Jeff Hafley has a satisfactory either-or situation at left offensive tackle going into Saturday night’s (7:30) match against No. 22 North Carolina State at Alumni Stadium.
The Eagles (4-1,0-1) are looking for their first ACC win following a 19-13 loss at No. 25 Clemson on Oct. 2. The Wolfpack (4-1,1-0) are coming off a 34-27 victory over Louisiana Tech. Both teams are coming off their scheduled by weeks.
BC veteran left tackle Tyler Vrabel rolled his knee late in the first half at Clemson and he was replaced by Jack Conley, who is listed on the twodeep as Ben Petrula’s backup at right tackle. Hafley hasn’t ruled out Vrabel for the NC State game. But Hafley is confident that Conley can protect quarterback Dennis Grosel’s blind side against the attacking Wolfpack defense.
“Tyler will be day-to-day,” said Hafley after Tuesday practice. “He was out there doing a little bit and I think (today) will tell how he feels and if he can do everything.
“If not, Jack is a pretty good player too. We are not ruling Tyler out and if you asked him, he would probably tell you he was playing. He has to go Wednesday and Thursday really strong and if not, we have a good backup in Jack.”
Conley, a towering 6-7, 318pound, redshirt sophomore from New Canaan, Conn., held his own against Clemson’s front seven in the second half. Hafley gave Conley’s confidence a boost by keeping him at left tackle instead of making alterations to his formidable offensive front, where everyone except center Alec Lindstrom plays multiple positions.
“It was awesome to get in in that kind of environment and get some good experience,” said Conley. “You can’t really hear yourself think at Clemson and it was great to get in in that environment and get my feet wet stepping in for Tyler.
“It is truly a blessing protecting a guy like Dennis who is the best guy in the world,” said Conley. “It is a good opportunity for me to get better and I really take is seriously because we have to protect him so he can make some throws.”
When Vrabel was injured last season, Hafley moved Zion Johnson from guard to left tackle to safeguard quarterback Phil Jurkovec from the marauding hybrid defensive ends that populate the ACC. Johnson, who is projected to be one of the first guards taken in the 2022 NFL Draft, will remain on Conley’s flank at left guard.
“It is nice to feel that they have confidence in me and they know what I can do and I’m ready to show it,” said Conley.
Best foot forward
Wide receiver Jaelen Gill wants to re-establish his presence in the Eagles’ passing progression. The 5-11, 187pound redshirt junior was inactive the first three games, recovering from a foot injury he suffered early in training camp.
Gill made a modest impact in his return during the Eagles 41-34 overtime win at home against Missouri. Gill had four catches four catches for 28 yards. He registered two catches for 36 yards against Clemson. Gill, a transfer from Ohio State, had 29 catches for 435 yards for BC last season.
“I feel like my reps are going to be increasing more and more and I’m starting to get my stamina back up,” said Gill.
First in thirds
The Eagles lead the ACC and are ninth nationally for converting 33-of-64 third down situations for a 51.6% success rate. Since Grosel took over for Jurkovec in the first quarter at UMass, BC has employed a ball control offense with play action.
BC converted on 10 of 16 third downs against Missouri and 5 of 15 at Clemson. Tailback Pat Garwo has established a sustained ground attack with 412 yards and four touchdowns in four games.