Boston College’s first spring game under coach Bill O’Brien produces plenty of points and takeaways

Boston College’s spring game offered a glimpse into what this year’s team could look like under first-year coach Bill O’Brien.

Though it was a somewhat watered-down version of football, one with its own distinct scoring system, the product Saturday was relatively clean, penalty-free, and efficient.

The defense built a commanding lead early, then the offense stormed back and ended up running away with a 96-62 victory at Alumni Stadium.

“I thought we got everybody reps, which was important,” O’Brien said.

Takeaways from the spring game.

Potential quarterback competition.

The quarterback job belongs to junior Thomas Castellanos until further notice, but Florida International transfer Grayson James showed plenty of promise. Both are juniors.

Castellanos (5 feet 10 inches, 196 pounds) struggled early and hit his stride late, finishing 13 for 29 for 127 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception, plus five carries for 30 yards and a score. James (6′3, 235) was more consistent throughout, with a strong stat line of 21 for 29 for 228 yards, two TDs and a late pick.

While Castellanos has a year at Boston College behind him, both are acclimating to a new system. Castellanos has an uncanny ability to turn seemingly broken plays into sizable gains. James displayed impressive accuracy in the spring game, connecting with Reed Harris (5 catches, 91 yards, TD) and reacting well to pressure.

While Castellanos is more mobile, James is relatively agile for someone of his stature.

“I’m really happy that we have Grayson,” O’Brien said. “He’s a great guy. Very smart, calm in the pocket, doesn’t panic. He has some good size and also has some good athletic ability.”

O’Brien also highlighted Castellanos’ growth, calling him a “much-improved quarterback” from the start of the spring until now. Castellanos learned from former Eagles and NFL star Matt Ryan, who spent time with the QBs on campus earlier this month.

“He just gave us some ins and outs on the position, how to lead, and how to operate,” Castellanos said. “It’s amazing. It shows that he cares and he cares about BC.”

Depth at skill positions.

This has a chance to be one of the deeper BC offenses in recent memory, with firepower and competition at every skill position.

Returning running backs Kye Robichaux and Alex Broome (who had a brace on his left leg and crutches) didn’t dress, but Florida State transfer Treshaun Ward, Central Florida transfer Jordan McDonald (8 carries, 43 yards, 2 TDs), and Datrell Jones all showed potential.

“You have five guys there that all can play football,” O’Brien said.

Wide receiver Lewis Bond (shoulder) also missed the game. Jaedn Skeete hauled in two TD passes from Castellanos in the final minutes, and 6-5, 220-pound Texas Tech transfer Jerand Bradley, shifty Vanderbilt transfer Jayden McGowan, and 5-9 slot receiver Luke McLaughlin (7 catches, 68 yards) all contributed.

Former Springfield Central star Joe Griffin Jr. entered the transfer portal earlier this month, but the Eagles have plenty of options to fill the void.

Tight end Jeremiah Franklin added a score of his own, and North Carolina transfer Kamari Morales, Westborough native Matt Ragan, and Melrose native Holden Symonds provided depth.

“We have a great history with tight ends in our offenses,” O’Brien said.

Defense shows flashes.

The BC defense was up and down last year, allowing the third-most points in the ACC at 28.3 per game. This year’s team returns the bulk of that core and should have a chance to improve collectively.

“We have guys that want to compete and go get the ball,” defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku said.

Ezeiruaku and defensive lineman Edwin Kolenge led the way with two sacks, and linebacker Sione Hala, cornerback Bryquice Brown, and defensive back Bugg Jones intercepted a pass apiece. At defensive back, Ohio State transfer Ryan Turner and Max Tucker broke up two passes.

The game featured more physicality than years prior, with legitimate hits in spurts and an uptick in intensity throughout.

“The defense, the last four or five practices, has come on,” O’Brien said. “I would say the offense kind of ruled it early on in spring practice, but the defense came on strong. I was happy to see that.”

The Catholic Memorial contingent.

Skeete, Tucker, Datrell Jones, and Owen McGowan are all Catholic Memorial products. All four should see significant playing time this season and beyond.

Tucker is battling for a starting spot, Jones will likely contribute, and McGowan is one of the more versatile players on the roster. Skeete has a chance to blossom into one of the conference’s elite receivers.

“Skeete’s a dynamic player, a smart player, instinctive guy, a guy that can run the route tree,” O”Brien said.

O’Brien backs Eagles on ice.

The coach closed by voicing his support for the men’s hockey team as it pursued a national title Saturday night.

“I wish Greg Brown the best,” O’Brien said of his fellow coach. “He’s an awesome guy and has been a great guy to get to know.”