Boston College Practice Notes: Eagles Open Summer, Finch To Transfer, Media Day

On Monday Boston College opened up practice at Chestnut Hill, and hit the field to prepare for the 2013 season. After the practice head coach Steve Addazio addressed the media and gave his thoughts on the first practice:

All quotes courtesy of BCEagles.com:

On progress the team has made since spring:

"The kids got out there and they hustled around. They had pretty good retention from the spring which was really good to see. A lot of times, you have to go back to square one because there is not a lot of retention. There was great retention out there today, so that was encouraging."

On the Eagles first preseason practice:

"I thought that, as a staff and as a football team, we have hit the ground running really efficiently right now. They know what we want and how we want to get about it. They know our style, we know them. That's what's nice. I think that has happened here at a faster pace than I'm used to. I think we have pretty intelligent guys that think well. I think our guys are pretty bright and I saw that out here. That's retention. That has to be a strength for us - to be able to assimilate information."

On senior quarterback Chase Rettig:

"The number one thing is leadership. From the beginning of spring until now, he carries himself differently. He's locked in. He knows when he can have a little fun but he's a leader. He's on top of his game. He's a veteran guy. He's sharp out there, even for day one ... That position, more than any other position, is about leadership and the ability to drive the team. He's showing signs of that."

After the practice Addazio had former Boston College linebacker, and current WEEI cohost Steve DeOssie come and speak to the team. I found this to be an interesting move, as Deossie along with his cohost and fellow former BC Eagle Fred Smerlas have been critical of the school when they had their show on WEEI. Maybe new AD Brad Bates has smoothed things over with some of the more skeptical football alumni. In any regard, it is good to see guys like DeOssie back on campus.

Former Boston College running back Rolandan "Deuce" Finch has landed with the Norfolk State University Spartans. The Mid Eastern Conference team, went 4-7 last year, and will be facing Maine in Week 1. In 2012, Finch ran for over 700 yards, including a 90 yard performance against Maine in Week 2. The Spartans FBS opponent this year will be Rutgers in Week. Best of luck to Finch as he finishes his college career.

Today is Boston College Media Day at the Heights. I will be covering live for BC Interruption and will be at morning practice, along with the afternoon media session. Make sure to check back here all day for quotes, player interviews and Head Coach Steve Addazio's press conference.