We're closing in on National Signing Day. We'll be keeping an eye on the class over the next few days to see if Spaz and the coaching staff can land a few more recruits to fill out the 2012 class. Over the next few days, we'll be previewing each of BC's Class of 2012 commits in a series of posts.
First up, early enrollee Joel Zoungrana.
Joel Zoungrana
Hometown: Montreal, Quebec
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6-0
Weight: 183 lbs
40: 4.6 (though in his highlight reel it says he runs a 4.34)
Vertical: 37 inches
Ratings: Rivals 2* (not rated nationally), Scout 3* (106 overall Wide Receiver), ESPN 2* (rated a 74, #118 overall WR), 247 Sports 2* (347th overall). Boston College was his only offer in the United States.
Strengths: College football blog Southern Pigskin had a good write up on Zoungrana in their ACC Sleepers Article:
"While it can sometimes be difficult to get an exact read on his skill set due to the stylistic differences in Canadian football, it is not difficult to see that Zoungrana is a great athlete with excellent speed. Zoungrana is renowned for his ability to make big plays in the passing game, which is something that the Eagles have been missing in recent memory. Once he gets adjusted to the increased level of competition, look for Zoungrana to use his speed and athleticism to find a way onto the field in Chestnut Hill."
Needs Work: While his upside is definitely exciting, the fact that Zoungrana played ball in Canada certainly raises question marks. BC has had success cultivating talent from Canada, so it will be interesting to see if he can make that transition to the speed of American ball. He is undersized, and needs to put on some weight.
Optimistic Outlook: Boston College has yet to find a go-to wide receiver since Richie Gunnell graduated. Now with Ifeanyi Momah gone, maybe Zoungrana go provide the explosive speed receiver that would fit in well with Doug Martin's new offense. With a slew of receivers available next season, I wouldn't be surprised if Zoungrana is redshirted his first year. Otherwise he will be playing behind Donte Elliot, Spiffy Evans, Bobby Swigert, Alex Amidon and Colin Larmond Jr. Spaziani is looking to Zoungrana to make a formidable duo with Iowa transfer Marcus Grant in 2013.
Welcome to the Heights, Joel!