Nov 16, 2024; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Dylan Lonergan (12) throws a go offensive lineman Joseph Ionata (69) blocking on Mercer Bears defensive lineman Andrew Zock (94) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Photos 12 months Two of the Invoice O’Brien teaching period at Boston Faculty begins Saturday afternoon with historic opponent Fordham visiting Chestnut Hill, Mass.
After profitable three of their last 4 regular-season video games and ending 7-6 in 2024, the Eagles determine to current a special have a look at a number of key positions within the new season.
Alabama switch Dylan Lonergan will begin at quarterback. He beat out the incumbent Grayson James, who took over following now-Florida State sign caller Thomas Castellanos’ switch final November.
Lonergan performed in three video games at Alabama, the place O’Brien initially recruited him whereas serving as Nick Saban’s offensive coordinator from 2021-22.
“He is acquired an amazing really feel for the sport,” O’Brien mentioned of Lonergan within the preseason. “He is acquired a very good arm. He is acquired good anticipation, good accuracy. He is a really poised man. So is Grayson. … On the finish of the day, within the passing recreation, Dylan was just a little bit forward of Grayson.”
Redshirt senior Lewis Bond, who’s 75 catches away from Zay Flowers’ faculty file, is the highest returning receiver goal.
After tying for the ACC lead with 17 takeaways final season, Boston Faculty will want new faces to step up with reigning ACC Defensive Participant of the 12 months Donovan Ezeiruaku off to the Dallas Cowboys. Defensive again KP Value was the workforce’s high tackler in 2024 with 85 whole stops.
On either side of the ball, although, there might be room for loads of contributors in O’Brien’s various methods.
“Lots of guys are going to play. … We play so many various packages (in all phases of the sport),” O’Brien mentioned. “I do not actually have a look at it like that — the place there’s an actual delineation between ones and twos.”
Fordham is popping the web page previous a 2-10 marketing campaign, although each of its wins throughout the ultimate 4 video games in Patriot League play.
“I used to be actually happy with the workforce and the way they responded to adversity (in 2024),” Fordham coach Joe Conlin mentioned. “They’ve proven resilience, psychological toughness and fortitude. That is why I am in all probability as excited for this season as I’ve ever been in my teaching profession.”
The Rams have three preseason All-Patriot League choices in linebacker James Conway, defensive again Alex Kemper and punter Will Haslett — all seniors or graduate college students.
Senior quarterback Jack Capaldi threw for 1,561 yards and eight touchdowns final season.
Saturday marks the Twenty eighth-ever assembly of the Boston and New York foes, however the first since 1954 when a six-year run of their collection ended.
–Discipline Degree Media
