Updates from Zion Johnson ...
** His family normally attended games, as in 2019, but only having cardboard fans "can affect you." Thinks the team made the best of it but it could have an impact. Believes there was an inner fire sparked to maximize ability last year.
** Says Jurkovec is a great leader and player. He's a great guy. Awesome blocking for someone you know. If things aren't perfect he can scramble and throw a bomb down the field. He's grown as a leader coming to BC last year. Now he's a big voice in the locker room and they love having him.
** Pointed out BC's o-line has 120+ starts. "The experience will definitely help us." Johnson says they weren't masters of their scheme last year. Guys were learning, moving positions. This season "we're ready to come out and keep Phil upright." Lindstrom has gotten so much better in the spring. Petrula, Mahogany have been doing great jobs. "Let's not forget Tyler." Getting better as a run and pass blocker. With the guys up front you're seeing better leadership on the offensive line.
Updates from Phil Jurkovec ...
** Asked about Cignetti and the offense, Jurkovec says he's had so much experience in college and the NFL so what he brings is pro scheme and style. That makes BC a little different than every other team in the ACC. With that is a learning process that has taken some time. In year 2 they're feeling a lot more comfortable.
** Zay has been very close with Jurkovec from the start of his time at BC. Flowers is driven and an exceptional talent. He's never seen someone who can stop on a dime like him. Plus so fast and explosive.
** Says they have lots of weapons. Kobay White has been the most productive receiver in prior years. CJ Lewis, Jaelen Gill, Zay Flowers, transfers from Jacksonville State and West Virginia to go along with other running backs. "We just have so many options. I know everybody's going to want the ball, but it's going to be fun to see the different personnel groupings we can go with..."
** Remembers a "terrible pick into double coverage" against Duke in the opener. Hafley told him to forget about it, on to the next. That's their view on it. Just let it loose, go out there and have fun, play free and don't be worried about making mistakes or losing.
** Jurkovec says the o-line is like a cult the way they stick together "but it's awesome". They're very tight and care a lot about each other. It's a little different position than anywhere else because of how you have to work together. He loves those guys. They're all veterans. "They're nasty guys."
Updates from Marcus Valdez ...
*** Asked about Hafley's NFL experience, says it goes a long way in the tape they watch. Even in position rooms they're always watching NFL tapes so show they're teaching NFL technique. Helps the players buy in.
** Thinks defense needs to take the ball away more consistently. Had a couple of good games with takeaways but the emphasis during practice is forcing turnovers. DL, LB, DB, whoever gets the most takeaways gets to wear black shirts in practice. His personal goal is rushing the quarterback better.
** Says Hafley is the same guy on and off the field. Will always keep it real and tell you the truth. He's a motivator. Tough love, compete, being for the team. Sacrificing toward a goal that's bigger than yourself. Has instilled confidence and belief in the players.
** Regarding "Team Impact" in the Boston area, the team had a kid join them. Everybody came and it was overwhelming for the kid. He comes around a lot. Worked with him on the field. Grosel and Jurkovec were throwing with the kid. It's for a good cause.
** His family normally attended games, as in 2019, but only having cardboard fans "can affect you." Thinks the team made the best of it but it could have an impact. Believes there was an inner fire sparked to maximize ability last year.
** Says Jurkovec is a great leader and player. He's a great guy. Awesome blocking for someone you know. If things aren't perfect he can scramble and throw a bomb down the field. He's grown as a leader coming to BC last year. Now he's a big voice in the locker room and they love having him.
** Pointed out BC's o-line has 120+ starts. "The experience will definitely help us." Johnson says they weren't masters of their scheme last year. Guys were learning, moving positions. This season "we're ready to come out and keep Phil upright." Lindstrom has gotten so much better in the spring. Petrula, Mahogany have been doing great jobs. "Let's not forget Tyler." Getting better as a run and pass blocker. With the guys up front you're seeing better leadership on the offensive line.
Updates from Phil Jurkovec ...
** Asked about Cignetti and the offense, Jurkovec says he's had so much experience in college and the NFL so what he brings is pro scheme and style. That makes BC a little different than every other team in the ACC. With that is a learning process that has taken some time. In year 2 they're feeling a lot more comfortable.
** Zay has been very close with Jurkovec from the start of his time at BC. Flowers is driven and an exceptional talent. He's never seen someone who can stop on a dime like him. Plus so fast and explosive.
** Says they have lots of weapons. Kobay White has been the most productive receiver in prior years. CJ Lewis, Jaelen Gill, Zay Flowers, transfers from Jacksonville State and West Virginia to go along with other running backs. "We just have so many options. I know everybody's going to want the ball, but it's going to be fun to see the different personnel groupings we can go with..."
** Remembers a "terrible pick into double coverage" against Duke in the opener. Hafley told him to forget about it, on to the next. That's their view on it. Just let it loose, go out there and have fun, play free and don't be worried about making mistakes or losing.
** Jurkovec says the o-line is like a cult the way they stick together "but it's awesome". They're very tight and care a lot about each other. It's a little different position than anywhere else because of how you have to work together. He loves those guys. They're all veterans. "They're nasty guys."
Updates from Marcus Valdez ...
*** Asked about Hafley's NFL experience, says it goes a long way in the tape they watch. Even in position rooms they're always watching NFL tapes so show they're teaching NFL technique. Helps the players buy in.
** Thinks defense needs to take the ball away more consistently. Had a couple of good games with takeaways but the emphasis during practice is forcing turnovers. DL, LB, DB, whoever gets the most takeaways gets to wear black shirts in practice. His personal goal is rushing the quarterback better.
** Says Hafley is the same guy on and off the field. Will always keep it real and tell you the truth. He's a motivator. Tough love, compete, being for the team. Sacrificing toward a goal that's bigger than yourself. Has instilled confidence and belief in the players.
** Regarding "Team Impact" in the Boston area, the team had a kid join them. Everybody came and it was overwhelming for the kid. He comes around a lot. Worked with him on the field. Grosel and Jurkovec were throwing with the kid. It's for a good cause.
