:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/27989569/uspw_6713534.0.jpg)
Joe Vitiello
Hometown: Somerville, NJ
High School: Immaculata
Position: Defensive End
Height: 6-foot-4
40: 4.83
Weight: 255 lbs.
Twitter: @JoeVit85
Highlights: Hudl
Rankings: Rivals 3* (state 32), Scout 2*, ESPN 3* (rated a 78, 53 position, 17 state), 247 Sports 3* (82 rating, 59 position, 34 state). Selected Boston College over Buffalo, UConn, UMass, South Florida, Temple and Tulane. Recruited by Ryan Day and Ben Albert.
Strengths: Vitiello played both sides of the ball at Immaculata and was recruited as a tight end by many schools (in fact he's listed as a TE on Rivals). But watching his game film it's clear that he is better suited for the defensive side of the ball. He's stout and has good size and decent speed for a defensive end. He doesn't strike me as a pass rusher, but that's based on a preliminary film watch. Get Don Brown on him and he could use his speed and strength to get to the QB.
Realistic Outlook: Vitiello reminds me a lot of players built in the BC mode. Just watching his film it's clear he isn't going to be an all world defensive end, however he is going to do a lot of the little things right. BC has a lot of need for depth at the defensive end, and given his size and familiarity at the position, Vitiello may sneak onto the two deep at some point during the season.