Zach Allen Signs with Boston College, Faxes Letter of Intent

It was shaping up to be another no surprises National Signing Day for Boston College, but then Addazio hits us all with some big news. Zach Allen, the Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year, is an Eagle, after decommitting from a verbal commitment made to Northwestern last spring.

The 6-foot-5, 242-pound defensive end commits to BC over claimed offers from Connecticut, Pittsburgh, Northwestern, Rutgers, Syracuse, UCLA and Virginia, among others. He was also considering an offer from Penn State, according to his coach.

There's lots to like about the pick up. Allen will help solidify the Eagles' defensive line, which has been growing dangerously thin of big bodies over the past few years. When Allen committed to Northwestern earlier in the year, it was considered a pretty significant blow to BC's recruiting efforts in 2015. It's nice to see the program reasserting itself in New England, and Connecticut in particular, given Steve Addazio and Don Brown's ties to the Nutmeg State.

A three-year starter at defensive end at New Canaan, Allen is a dynamic pass-rusher with good size and speed, helping the Rams win two state championships. Given the lack of depth on the defensive line, have to think that Allen could challenge for playing time as a true freshman, similar to the role true frosh Harold Landry played on the DL this past season.

Here are Zach's highlights via HUDL:

Here are his rankings:

• Rivals: Three stars, 4th best Connecticut recruit
• Scout: Three stars, 63rd best defensive end, 14th best defensive end in the East, top ranked Connecticut defensive end
• 247Sports: Three stars, rated an 89, 22nd best strong-side defensive end, 3rd best Connecticut recruit
• ESPN: Three stars, rated a 74, 127th best defensive end, 184th best in region, 8th best Connecticut recruit

Go Eagles!