CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. — Training Camp session #8 wasn’t just a regular practice on Saturday morning. The team held a controlled scrimmage inside Alumni Stadium for the first time this summer, with the home opener against Fordham exactly three weeks away.
“We covered a lot. Third down, red zone, backed up, goal line, different special team situations. I think we’ve got a long way to go, but there were some good things though, no doubt about it,” said Head Coach Bill O’Brien, who met with the media after practice, along with offensive lineman Kevin Cline and defensive lineman Favor Bate.
It was LB Vaughn Pemberton who kicked things off in the controlled scrimmage with an interception on the opening drive. Two drives later, the newcomer from Merrimack Favor Bate recorded a sack of his own. In his relatively short time on campus, Bate recognizes the chances he has to succeed.
“I have to take advantage of every single day. I believe right now, I’m doing so. I’m very excited about what the future holds for us at Boston College,” said the sophomore defensive lineman.
As the controlled scrimmage went on, the young players continued to play with a heightened sense of urgency on the field. Freshman tight end Kaelan Chudzinski made some notable catches in the passing game. Freshman running back Bo MacCormack bounced it outside on several occasions, kicking it into a higher gear. The play of the day came on the final play of the controlled scrimmage, when freshman running back Mekhi Dodd broke loose for a 70-yard touchdown run. Veteran offensive lineman Kevin Cline understands the impact the run game has on the rest of the offense.
“We’re definitely focused on the run game. We’re going through techniques and everything that we need. We’re focused on being as physical as we can, coming off the ball and knowing what we need to do,” said the graduate student Cline.
Before another day off on Monday, the Eagles cap off a busy weekend of practice with one more Training Camp session on Sunday morning. Practices are closed to the public.