Is there a quarterback competition at Boston College?
The Boston College Eagles held their fourth practice of the spring on Tuesday, and there may be a quarterback competition brewing in Chestnut Hill.
"That is what this team is all about. There is competition at every position," said head coach Bill O'Brien.
There are five quarterbacks on the Eagles roster right now, headlined by incumbent Grayson James. Alabama transfer Dylan Lonergan has joined the mix, which also includes redshirt junior Shane Hanafin, redshirt sophomore Jacobe Robinson, and freshman Shaker Reisig.
Grayson James
At the head of the line at quarterback is James. The redshirt senior was thrust into the starting job in mid-November last season when Tommy Castellanos left the program. In his first season with the Eagles after transferring from FIU, James completed 64 percent of his passes for 1,202 yards, six touchdowns, and a pair of interceptions. He also ran for three scores for Boston College.
His best game of the regular season was his last, when James threw for 253 yards and a pair of touchdowns to lead the Eagles to a 34-23 win over Pitt. That was a big confidence boost for the quarterback, which he believes will carry over into 2025.
"The biggest thing is continuity in this offense has been huge for me," James said Tuesday. "My confidence level is as high as it's ever been since I've been here. I feel like it's transferring to the field and I'm just trying to be the best quarterback for this team and get it down as smooth as possible."
Being smooth and staying cool in the moment was James' best attribute in his first season at Boston College.
"The biggest thing is my composure and always being able to remain calm. Being able to lead and control the whole operation," he said. "That is my No. 1 that I focus on as well. When guys need a play to be made, they look at me to make it and I enjoy being that guy."
Dylan Lonergan
Behind James on the depth chart is Lonergan, who joins the Eagles after spending two seasons in Alabama. He decided to make a move once Nick Saban retired, and found a familiar face at The Heights in O'Brien, who recruited Lonergan in high school when he was on Saban's staff.
"He has been great so far. Getting to know him more and more and getting coached by him has been great," said Lonergan.
Lonergan wouldn't say if Saban or O'Brien yelled more, only saying it was "pretty close."
But that has made his transition to the Eagles a little easier, which is a plus considering Tuscaloosa and Boston are very, very different places.
"It has been great. A lot different than Alabama weather-wise, so I just have to get used to the cold," he said. "But just getting to know the guys; they've all been really good. Now I'm learning this offense, taking it day by day."
Boston College QB competition
While both James and Lodergan would love to start for the Eagles this fall, both said the QB room is close. They welcome the competition and believe it will just make them all better in the end.
"Iron sharpens iron," said James. "It's the extra motivation of someone riding on your heels, ready to come for a spot that everybody would like in college football. I'm enjoying it."
From an operational standpoint, O'Brien says the Eagles are ahead of where they were at this time last year. He's been excited to see his quarterbacks at work, and pleased with all of their progress so far.
"That's a really good room. Grayson and Dylan are doing a really good job," he said. "Grayson knows the offense and has been here for a year. He's a smart guy, a competitive guy. Dylan basically just got here, but he's a smart guy, a bright guy. Shaker Rising is also doing really well.
"I'm very impressed with that group," O'Brien added. "All three of those guys make a lot of plays."
Boston College will open its 2025 season on August 30 against Fordham at Alumni Stadium.
