Brian: We are giving Jeff the day off, so we welcome BCRaj to the blog for the Big Finish. OK, Raj, it was an eventful week for a few BC football players as the preseason accolades keep rolling in.
For those not keeping track at home, over the past week, Luke Kuechly was named to the Sporting News Preseason All-American first team defense, while Anthony Castonzo was named to the third team offense.
Both Castonzo and guard Thomas Claiborne were named to the 2010 Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List, awarded to the best interior lineman in the country. BC has only had one player ever win the Outland Trophy, Mike Ruth in 1985.
Meanwhile, Mark Herzlich and Luke Kuechly were named to the 2010 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Preseason Watch List, awarded to the best defensive player in the country.
Which player has the best chance of bringing home the hardware when the season’s over?
Raj: Unfortunately I don't think any BC players will bring home either of these two trophies this year, but if I was a betting man I'd have to say Castonzo would have the best shot. He'll get a lot of publicity with his Rhodes Scholar nomination, so hopefully people won't overlook the big man and BC as they tend to do year in and year out. We will be a run first offense and Montel Harris and the Offensive Line will steal the headlines in terms of on the field achievements. Obviously my heart wanted to go with our stud linebackers, but you have to assume that Kuechly and Herzlich will split the amount of tackles available, effecting the eye-popping stats Kuechly put up just a year ago. But again Mark Herzlich doesn't need trophies to prove he's a beast.
Brian: I think you're right in saying that Castonzo has a legit shot at winning the school's second Outland Trophy. He probably has more of a shot than Kuechly or Herzlich have at winning the Nagurski Trophy. Don't forget though that Herzlich has also been added to the Lott Trophy Watch List, and he already took home an honorary Lott Trophy last season. He's been a finalist for several season ending awards, including the Butkus Award, and if he returns to form, could be taking home multiple awards at season's end.
Big Finish
Brian: BC trails only N.C. State in the ACC in terms of number of 2011 football recruits. It’s not time to hit the panic button yet, is it?
Raj No not yet, we still have plenty of time. It's all relative anyway. Look at men's basketball 2010 recruiting class.
Raj: The National Champion men's hockey team was honored at the Massachusetts State House this past week. How come Obama hasn't rolled out the red carpet?
Brian: First the State House, then the White House, right?
Brian: HD ranks Anthony Castonzo as her #10 player in her Top 25 countdown. Will Castonzo also be a top 10 pick in next year’s NFL Draft?
Raj: I would hope so, but he's a bright kid with options, who says he even enters the draft. Myron Rolle, anyone?
Raj: Donahue first recruit of the Class of 2010 is Florida guard Gabe Moton. This year he averaged 17-5-5. Is it just me or are those stats not worthy of an ACC recruit?
Brian: Those stats are closer to Daye Kaba's than to Tyrese Rice's high school numbers, but we should be patient.
Brian: Grass is out and artificial turf is in at the Florida Citrus Bowl. If BC makes the Champs Sports Bowl, will the new playing surface give BC a leg up?
Raj: We don't play a speed game, we play tough hard-nosed football so I don't think it helps us. I'm just hoping we start winning bowl games again.
Raj: In the spirit of the World Cup, how do you think BC Men's Soccer will fare this season with almost every major contributor returning?
Brian: Better? But who knows. The ACC is usually stacked. Three-fourths of this year's Final Four were ACC teams.
Brian: ESPN 3(60.com) has announced a deal to stream live sporting events on Xbox 360 as early as November. Just in time for that BC at Duke football game. Your thoughts?
Raj: You know I'm an Xbox 360 guy so this is great news for me. Any excuse to put on the headset and talk trash.
Raj: Tonight on Friday Night Lights, Coach Taylor's wife and daughter tour Boston College and we'll get a great 10 second clip of the Quad. What's your must-see spot on a campus tour?
Brian: Either the Quad or walking from Main Gate down the tree-lined street towards Gasson.
Brian: Last one, Joe over at Soaring to Glory countdowns the five best moments of the 2009-2010 season. What’s your top moment of the last athletic year?
Raj: Top moment has to be ESPN's College Gameday on campus for Herzlich's announcement that he's cancer free. It's not just an athletic moment, but one that hits home.