Flowers, a first-round draft pick of the Baltimore Ravens, was among the few bright spots for the Eagles in 2022. His 78 receptions, 1077 yards, and 12 touchdowns led the team by far margins. Despite facing game plans designed to stop him, Flowers was magnificent and a player who will be sorely missed.
To replace Flowers, production will likely be spread around to many players for a Boston College offense with multiple returning players. Quarterback Emmett Morehead is back to spearhead the offense, with a stable of returning running backs ready to carry the load.
But the focus will be on the wide receivers and tight ends, with potential stars ready to break out at each position.
X-factors at wide receiver
When the Boston College Eagles open the season on September 2 vs Northern Illinois, look for transfer Ryan O'Keefe to announce his arrival with gusto.
A graduate transfer from UCF, O'Keefe brings a lot of same qualities seen from Flowers. And, depending on how things shake out in fall camp, O'Keefe should see himself atop Boston College's depth chart at wide receiver.
Speed is the name of the game with O'Keefe and he has the moves and ingenuity to go along with the ability to stretch the field. Like Flowers, too, O'Keefe also wears number four.
In 2022 with the Knights, O'Keefe totaled over 1,000 yards. He had 73 receptions for 725 yards (and five touchdowns), plus 448 return yards and 222 rushing yards.
O'Keefe's 2021 was even better, where he had 84 receptions for 812 yards and seven touchdowns.
If O'Keefe is at the top of the list, sophomore Joseph Griffin Jr. can be considered 1A.
Griffin's debut season for Boston College was a special one. He played in eight games, making five starts, and was a favorite target of Morehead, especially in the red zone.
Griffin hauled in five touchdown receptions, finishing with 18 receptions for 234 yards. He truly announced his arrival on November 4 against Duke, where he finished with 5 catches for 103 yards and two touchdowns.
Excited to see what Griffin will do with a season under his belt. While O'Keefe is sort of the "do-everything" receiver, Griffin can be a true possession receiver for the Eagles. And the added dimension of his ability in the red zone should help this team open things up in that area of the field.
One of the true x-factors is Jaden Williams. Big things were expected as a sophomore in 2022 and Williams started off with a bang. Ultimately, however, he played in only six games, finishing with 11 catches for 170 yards and two scores.
These three have the potential to form quite the trio. If all rise to their potential and Morehead is given time to find them, the passing game in '23 can meet expectations that were hoisted upon it (and not lived up to) the past two seasons.
Behind these three, too, is a crop of receivers ready to contribute.
Receivers ready to rise
A handful of receivers who saw limited action in 2022 should benefit with more chances, at least early in the season.
Redshirt senior Dino Tomlin and senior Taji Johnson top this list. Tomlin started the final two games last season. Overall , he finished with 10 catches for 181 yards.
Johnson ended with similar stats, hauling in nine catches for 91 yards.
Healthy, both should see the field plenty. Hustling behind them, pushing for reps, will be a group of sophomores and freshman ready for the spotlight.
Redshirt sophomores Dante Reynolds and Lewis Bond (5 catches, 51 yards) are both in line to see action. An interesting thing to keep an eye on is the growth and playing time of three freshmen. Jaedn Skeete, Montrell Wade, and Reed Harris all have promising talent and could be the next great receiver for Boston College. Looking forward to see how all three progress, especially the six-foot-three Harris.
This group should provide adequate depth for the position and contribute to the passing game. Even if they struggle, a couple of tight ends will be a focus for the Eagles.
Tight Ends
George Takacs was poised to have one of those all-conference seasons enjoyed previously by Hunter Long and Tommy Sweeney, to name a few.
Twice within the early going in '22, Takacs had seven-reception games, providing a easy target and outlet for quarterback Phil Jurkovec (and later, Morehead).
But inconsistency and injury plagued Takacs and he never quite found rhythm in nine games. H finished with 26 receptions, 256 yards, and one touchdown.
Back for a final season, Takacs has a chance to give over the type of production usually seen from Boston College tight ends. With Morehead at the helm last season, Boston College seemed more content in not going for the deep shot every pass play. This, and a new offensive coordinator, should see Takacs see more action, especially if the top of the receiving corps is producing.
Help, too, will come from Jeremiah Franklin. Franklin, a sophomore, saw some good action towards the end of last season. The stats (5 receptions, 27 yards) weren't necessarily there but I am intrigued as to what he will do with that experience.
No doubt one among this entire group will standout and, even more so, a chance that a player not mentioned becomes an impact player. Whoever it is, or whether it's a collection of them, watching them make a name for themselves is something to be primed for.
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons
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