Two of Boston College's quarterbacks of 2015 could be finding themselves at a new position this spring. According to sources close to BCI it appears that sophomores Jeff Smith and Troy Flutie could be moving from QB to wide receiver for the 2016 season.
Smith, a 6-1, 182 pound sophomore went 27-82 passing for 253 yards, with 2 touchdowns and three interceptions. Most of the offense went through his feet though, as he ran the ball 71 times for 450 yards and six touchdowns. Flutie on the other hand went 24-49 throwing the ball for 382 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Both of these qb's cycled in and out of the starting lineup frequently last year after the injury to Darius Wade against Florida State.
If the news is true, this would give BC some depth at wide receiver. Nolan Borgersen, Ben Glines, and Chris Garrison all return to the two deep after injuries last season. They will join juniors Charlie Callinan and Drew Barksdale, sophomores Elijah Robinson, Thadd Smith and Michael Walker along with true freshmen Christian McStravick and Kobay White.
In terms of the quarterback depth, BC should be rolling with four options. The presumptive starter going into 2016 will be transfer Patrick Towles from Kentucky. Backing him up will be sophomore Darius Wade (assuming he gets his redshirt), along with John Fadule and true freshman Anthony Brown. Four quarterbacks going into a season should be plenty, 2015 aside.
The move of Flutie and Smith to wide receiver makes a lot of sense for the team. Smith showed he could run, and was quick, but he may need some seasoning as he acclimates to running routes and learning the playbook from a different position. Flutie could have different challenges as he learns the position. He isn't the type of runner that Smith is, and also has to learn the position. Could either of the two compete for playing time this year? Certainly. But it could be more likely that they practice with the team and consider a redshirt for three years of eligibility for Smith, and use Flutie immediately moving forward.