Next up in our series of positional previews is the running back room. After last year’s resurgence that saw Boston College post a top-20 rushing attack in the nation, Bill O’Brien both retained Savon Huggins as the positional coach and also returns most of the top rushers from last year’s team. This RB room could be the deepest position on the roster.
Key Departures: Pat Garwo III, Cam Barfield
After five up-and-down seasons on the Heights, (including a 1,045 yard, seven TD season in 2021), Pat Garwo finally moved on for his final year of eligibility at Nevada. Though he opened the 2023 season as the starter, he struggled with injuries that led to the emergence of Robichaux and eventually only played in five games. Meanwhile, Barfield struggled to get touches in a crowded room and transferred to Hawaii.
Key Returners: Kye Robichaux, Alex Broome
BC’s top two rushers both return to spearhead the Eagle’s ground game in 2024. Robichaux, a transfer from WKU (who visit Alumni Stadium this season) entered last season as the third option on the depth chart. That did not last long. A big (he’s 6’0 tall) and hard-nosed power back, Robichaux stormed onto the field in relief of the injured Garwo against Holy Cross and did not look back. If Tommy Castellanos’ elusiveness and quickness were lightning, Robichaux provided the thunder. He finished the season with 780 yards and eight TDs, averaging almost five yards per carry while also hauling in 13 catches for 90 yards. He will certainly play a big role in this upcoming season, and the improved depth in the room will hopefully protect him against some the minor injuries he picked up towards the end of last season.
Broome enters his junior season having flashed plenty of talent, especially as a change-of-pace back, but yet to put it all together for a breakout season. He’s battled injuries, having missing five games in the last two years, as well as missing time this spring and fall. With just under three weeks until the season opener against FSU, the hope is that Broome will get up to full speed in time to enter this season fully healthy.
Key Additions: Treshaun Ward, Jordan McDonald
Ward transfers in after four seasons at FSU and one at Kansas State. He adds a wealth of experience to the room, having rushed for over 1,700 yards in his career. He’s a savvy pass-catcher as well, with 45 career receptions. As good as Robichaux was last season, Ward has seen significant time with the first team in camp and will certainly have a major role in this offense. The second addition is McDonald, a massive 6’1, 230 lb UCF transfer. The junior back certainly follows Robichuax power-back mould, and will look to carve out a role in this Eagles offense.
Finally, two young guys in Darrell Jones (redshirt freshman) and Turbo Richard (true freshman) have made some serious noise in camp. Jones and Richard are inexperienced, but both have seen time with the 2s and could definitely crack the lineup this season. All told, BC enters the 2024 season with two seasoned starters in Ward and Robichaux along with plenty of depth options hungry for an opportunity. Aside for the secondary or wide receiver room, the RBs might be the best group on the team.