Boston College had a player selected in seven consecutive drafts, but that streak was snapped in April and it wouldn't be a shock if no Golden Eagles player was drafted in 2014, either. BC has been getting progressively worse since the 2007 season. The Eagles won 11 games in 2007 but have seen the victory total drop to nine in 2008, eight in 2009, seven in 2010, four in 2011 and two in 2012. That led to a coaching change, with Steve Addazio coming from Temple to take over for the fired Frank Spaziani.
There is not much holdover talent, and this looks like a four-win team at best. Linebacker looks good with Kevin Pierre-Louis and Steele Divitto -- both of whom are NFL prospects -- and WR Alex Amidon should be one of the best at his position in the ACC. But there are no sure-fire NFL prospects on the roster, and until there are at least a handful, BC is going to continue to struggle on the field.
Top senior prospects
WR Alex Amidon: Amidon (5-foot-11, 186 pounds) was a first-team All-ACC pick last season (by far his best year), finishing with 78 catches, 1,210 yards and seven touchdowns. He was second in the league in receptions and yardage and fifth in touchdowns. He has good speed, can get deep and is effective over the middle. Can he play with the same consistency this fall?
ILB Steele Divitto: An inside linebacker named Steele -- is that perfect or what? Divitto (6-3, 238) is entering his third season as a starter and has averaged 82 tackles the past two seasons. He lacks speed and overall athleticism, but he is physical, instinctive and has shown an ability to get into passing lanes. He had four fumble recoveries last season and has 11 pass breakups in the past two seasons.
OLB Kevin Pierre-Louis: Pierre-Louis (6-1, 215) has started from the moment he set foot on campus in 2010, but he has missed six games the past two seasons with injuries (leg last season and ankle in 2011). His lack of size is a big concern, though he does run well and generally finds a way to get to the ball. Under aggressive new defensive coordinator Don Brown, expect Pierre-Louis to be involved in more big plays this fall.
DT Kaleb Ramsey:Ramsey (6-3, 288) is a once-promising prospect who has had numerous injury issues. He is a sixth-year senior who is pursuing a master's degree in criminal justice. Ramsey had a big 2010 season as a junior, flashing both the ability to stuff the run and to get into the backfield. But he played in only four games the past two seasons because of foot injuries, and he has played in only 29 games in his career. If he remains healthy this season, he could get an NFL look.
RB Andre Williams: Williams (6-0, 220) has shared carries in each of his first three seasons but should be the unquestioned featured back this fall under Addazio, who prefers a run-first offense. Williams isn't a speed merchant, but he is a physical runner who is comfortable running inside. He has had injury issues in each of the past two seasons, including an abdominal injury last fall.
Top underclassmen
DT Dominic Appiah: He had a strong redshirt freshman campaign in 2011, recording 36 tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss, but slumped last season, when he was hampered by a leg injury. He has good size (6-5, 291), and a consistent season would greatly improve his draft stock.
CB Al Louis-Jean: Injuries have been a big part of BC football the past few seasons, and Louis-Jean -- who is a third-year sophomore -- is another who has suffered. He missed last season with a broken foot. If healthy, Louis-Jean (6-2, 195) has all-league potential. He has good size, average speed and plays a physical brand of football.
Three must-see games of 2013
Sept. 14 at USC:USC's secondary is a concern, so that could mean a big day for Amidon. Louis-Jean could garner some attention if he can do a good job against USC WR Marqise Lee. USC's offensive line should be a strength, so this will be a good test for Ramsey, Appiah, Pierre-Louis and Divitto.
Sept. 28 vs. Florida State: FSU's roster is full of potential pros. Divitto and Pierre-Louis, especially, must play well. And will Amidon find any room against what should be the ACC's best secondary?
Oct. 12 at Clemson: BC's defense will be in the spotlight against Clemson's powerful offense. Louis-Jean already will have gone against USC's Lee -- now, Louis-Jean gets to go against Clemson WR Sammy Watkins. And Divitto and Pierre-Louis must try to keep Tigers QB Tajh Boyd under wraps.
