Boston College Football: Wade And Hilliman Receive Medical Redshirts

Darius Wade and Jon Hilliman's 2015 seasons were both cut short due to injury. Wade (QB) broke his foot against Florida State, while Hilliman (RB) suffered a leg injury against NIU. Both never played another down last season after the injury. According to Eagle Action/Heights Sports reporter Michael Sullivan, both players have received a medical redshirt granting them an additional year of eligibility:

It's no surprise, but great news for @BCFootballNews: both Jon Hilliman and Darius Wade are now officially listed as redshirt sophomores.

— Michael Sullivan (@MichaelJSully) April 3, 2016

What does this mean to the players? In terms of Wade, this gives him three more years of eligibility, which gives him the opportunity to either take a year to work with new offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler and become comfortable with the speed of the game. Or it could mean that if he takes the starting gig from Patrick Towles he could start for three years. This is of course not putting true freshman Anthony Brown into the picture.

For Hilliman, this move helps BC as much as it helps him. Following this season the only proven RB's left on the roster would be Hilliman and Richard Wilson (if they keep him at halfback). However, if Hilliman didn't receive his medical redshirt, 2017 would have been his final season, and BC would be hoping that whomever they snag in the recruiting class of 2017 would be able to fill in. That's not the case anymore, and that's great news for BC's running back picture moving forward.

Both players are at spring practice, not sure if they are taking contact yet or not. That question should be answered at the spring game in two weeks.