Welcome to another position preview! Here’s a brief look into the Eagles’ defense, and specifically, their Secondary.
There have been quite a few changes this offseason for the Eagles, namely, the hiring of Bill O’Brien. O’Brien hired Tim Lewis, former Defensive Coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2000-03 and the New York Giants from 04-06, to head up the defense. Lewis most recently spent time in the XFL as the Co-Defensive Coordinator for the Arlington Renegades. The Defensive Backs coach under Lewis is Ray Brown, who will join the Eagles from Washington State.
The secondary this year will look much different than in 2023. Star corner Elijah Jones was drafted in the 3rd round by the Arizona Cardinals, and Bryquice Brown, Dorchester native, was added as a transfer from Georgia State. Jones will be a huge loss for the Eagles defense. He accounted for 5 of Boston College’s 8 team interceptions, and had 9 pass break ups which is good for triple the next closest defensive back. John Pupel will also be a big loss for the defense. He finished the last season with 82 tackles which was good for second on the team. Along with Pupel, the Eagles also lost CJ Clinkscales, Jason Scott, Jirhe Love, and Logan Galetta who all either graduated or transferred.
The defense was not the Eagles strong suit in 2023. Boston College was one of just 3 teams in the ACC to allow over 5,000 total yards last season, but not all of that was due to the secondary. The Eagles’ defense allowed 2,445 yards on the ground, which was good for second most in the conference. Let’s hope Lewis and Brown can help turn the clock back to the Don Brown days and make the defense one of the best in the conference again.
Coach Ray Brown will need Junior, Amari Jackson to step up this season and fill the shoes of Elijah Jones. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Jackson said he sees himself as the “lock down guy” for this Boston College defense. Khari Johnson and Cole Batson will also be leaned on as experienced returners to help propel this defense to get to where it needs to be for Boston College to compete.