:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48389893/usa-today-8896287.0.jpg)
Kentucky QB Patrick Towles has confirmed via his brother's YouTube channel that he will attend Boston College for his fifth year of eligibility.
Excited to announce I'll be playing my fifth year at Boston College! The only Jesuit FBS School… https://t.co/h8bbHFd5ZF
— Patrick Towles (@patty_ice14) December 18, 2015
The announcement comes at about the four minute mark of the video.
Towles picked BC because he "fell in love" with the school on his first trip. As a Catholic, he remarked that the school's Catholic roots also appealed to him, as well as the chance to compete in the ACC.
Towles started the last two seasons for the Wildcats, who narrowly missed a bowl game at 5-7. In 2014, he threw for over 2,700 yards with 14 touchdowns and nine picks. Last year, he dipped down to under 2,200 yards and threw more picks (14) than touchdowns (nine). But he threw for 359 yards in a 30-27 loss to Auburn and threw for 329 yards and three touchdowns against Eastern Kentucky, a game the Wildcats won in overtime.
Two years ago, Towles eclipsed the 300 yard mark three times, throwing for three touchdowns and 369 yards in a triple overtime loss to Florida and a two touchdowns and 390 yards in a loss to Mississippi State.
If Towles is tabbed as the Eagle starter, it will no doubt render a shift in the Boston College offensive mindset. Darius Wade is coming back from season-ending ankle surgery, and the Eagles return Jeff Smith, Troy Flutie, and John Fadule. But all struggled to throw the ball with consistency and efficiency last season. Incoming freshman Anthony Brown will gray shirt and play with the Eagles in spring practice.
Towles' one year of eligibility, however, provides an option and stability at a volatile position. A big target, he comes to the Eagles as a former four-star recruit and member of the 2012 ESPN Elite 11 QB class (along with Jameis Winston, Zach Kline, Chad Kelly, Connor BRewer, and Chad Voytik, among others. At the time, he was listed as an Athlete but was named QB at Kentucky.
He chose Kentucky over Cincinnati, Illinois, Louisville, and Vanderbilt, according to his ESPN recruiting profile. Despite his size, he is still listed as a potential dual-threat quarterback when called upon in the running game. Without question, this will give BC a boost at the position after last year's volatility and instability was one of the reasons the Eagles finished 3-9 on the regular season.
Congratulations to Patrick, and welcome to The Heights!