By: Chris Tripodi
Neither Boston College nor Pittsburgh faced serious challenges in Week 1, as the Eagles scored 24 second-points to beat UMass, 30-7, and the Panthers shut out FCS-level Delaware, 62-0.
While Pittsburgh sophomore receiver Tyler Boyd is this matchup’s most exciting prospect, each team has a few key senior prospects that will get late-round looks at the NFL level. Offensive and defensive line play will be the focus for NFL scouts evaluating this game’s eligible talent for the 2015 NFL Draft.
Boston College Eagles
Brian Mihalik, DE, #99
At 6-9, 288 pounds, Mihalik’s size stands out before the ball is even snapped. He impresses once the play begins as well and shows the ability to get out of his stance quickly, especially for such a tall defender. He uses his long arms well to get great extension on opposing offensive linemen, and keeps his head up to watch the play develop and get off blocks. Mihalik’s motor never quits and he fights hard to make plays inside, while staying with longer plays all the way to sideline and downfield. He shows the awareness to recognize situations where he can strip the ball out as well, and while he lacks the upside of an NFL starter, his skill set will intrigue teams on Day 3.
Andy Gallik, C, #59
A three-year starter who was named to the All-ACC third team and earned a spot on the Rimington Award Watch List as one of the best centers in the NCAA, Gallik is an athletic center at 6-3, 299 pounds. Explosive off the line, Gallik moves quickly up to the second level and around the corner on pulls. He recognizes blocking angles and uses cut blocks effectively in motion when he can’t reach his target. Gallik has the base strength to recover from a strong initial punch and holds his ground against bull rushes, but doesn’t show the same strength as a drive blocker in the run game. Gallik works with nice extension and is a composed hand fighter whose experience and athleticism should attract interest at the end of the draft or in free agency.
Pittsburgh Panthers
Ray Vinopal, SAF, #9
Slightly undersized at 5-10, 200 pounds, Vinopal is a complete safety who is effective against both run and pass. Vinopal diagnoses plays quickly and consistently finds the football, finishing plays as a physical tackler. He has enough speed to cover tight ends in the passing game and the ball skills to make plays on balls in the air, a necessary trait considering his height disadvantage against taller tight ends. He projects as a depth safety and special teamer at the NFL level.
T.J. Clemmings, OT, #68
A former defensive end before moving to the offensive line before the Panthers’ 2013 BBVA Compass Bowl appearance, Clemmings started every game at right tackle during his junior season. At 6-6, 315 pounds with quick feet, Clemmings is a very good athlete who shows the ability to quickly slide inside opponents lined up on his inside eye and squat underneath them to seal blocks. His base is too wide at times, but Clemmings keeps his feet moving well enough to compensate. As a powerful second-year tackle with strong hands who just needs to gain experience at the position, Clemmings will be a worthwhile late-round project for an NFL team.
Other Notes:
-Boston College senior right guard Harris Williams will miss 6-8 weeks after suffering a nasty-looking ankle injury in the first half against UMass. Williams is arguably the second best lineman on the Boston College offensive line, but the Eagles are still very strong up front with good size.
-After dislocating his finger against Delaware, Boyd will still bring his explosive talents to the field for Friday’s conference matchup. While the 6-2, 190-pound true sophomore isn’t draft-eligible until 2016, he’s an explosive receiver and dynamic returner with the game-breaking ability NFL teams covet. Long-term, he’s easily the best prospect in this game.
-Pittsburgh sophomore running back James Conner exploded in Week 1 against Delaware, using his 6-2, 250-pound frame to dominate to the tune of 153 yards and four first-half touchdowns on just 14 carries. It will be fun to watch him try to repeat that feat against a Boston College team with much better size.
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