It was a challenging 2024 for the Boston College secondary. The unit surrendered 245.8 yards per game (110th) and 11.9 yards per completion (74th). In terms of defensive passing efficiency, they were rated 55th overall in terms of defensive passing efficiency aided largely by 17 interceptions (9th) . In the latter half of the year, the explosive plays and inconsistent coverage led to a few too many shootouts. Sure, the defense’s 31.4% pressure rate (61st) didn’t help, but there is room for improvement on the coverage front. Good news —O’Brien has already noted this unit as a team strength.

New defensive backs coach Cory Robinson replaces now-49ers coach Ray Brown and brings with him a strong mix of pro and collegiate coaching experience. On the personnel side, the team lost a couple of experienced defensive backs to graduation including Bryquice Brown and Khari Johnson, and a few more in the transfer portal such as Jalon Williams, Ryan Turner, and Khalil Ali. While there are still a handful of upperclassmen leading the way, a number of younger players stepped up last season and will be pushing for even more time this season.

Key Returners – Upperclassmen

Headlining the returning group is junior KP Price. Price is the leader of the pack, representing BC at the ACC Football Kickoff in Charlotte a few weeks ago. Price had a breakout 2024, leading the team in tackles (85), tied for pass break-ups (5), and tied for second on the team in interceptions (2).

Senior Amari Jackson has had his ups and downs with the Eagles, but being thrown into the fire early in his career pushed along his development. Jackson was off to a strong start last year, but tore his ACL against UVA six games in. He had an interception against Michigan State and was the co-leader in pass break-ups with Price despite the limited playing time. Now working his way back into the mix, he should remain a solid contributor this season. Grad Cam Martinez returns for one last season on the Heights. The former Ohio State man was hampered with an injury early in the season but came up huge with a pick and fumble recovery against Virginia Tech and nabbed a start at nickel.

Going into his third year, Max Tucker is looking to make another jump after starting all last season. The Massachusetts native is a big-game playmaker with an interception to seal the win against Michigan State, a 58-yard interception return against FSU, and a blocked PAT in the [redacted] Bowl. Occupying the other safety spot opposite Price for most of last season was Carter Davis. The redshirt sophomore led the team with three interceptions, was fourth in team tackles, and forced three fumbles. Coaches have also praised the progress of redshirt junior safety Isaiah Farris, who shined on special teams last season, but is emerging as a physical presence in coverage.

Youth Movement On the Rise

Sophomores Ashton McShane and Omar Thornton picked up starts in the back half of 2024– McShane filling in for the injured Jackson and Thornton a few times ahead of Davis. Both earned praise for performances in high-pressure spots as true freshmen. Thornton tallied four tackles for loss and a forced fumble, and McShane had four pass break-ups and returned Tucker’s blocked PAT for a score. These contributions set the pair up as potential core contributors moving forward.

Syracuse native Syair Torrence has been making noise this offseason. The sophomore played primarily on special teams last season, but will be pushing to get into the rotation at corner this year. He’s displayed confidence in his game and has been deployed at every position in training camps.

Moving down the roster we have a trio of redshirt freshmen. Charlie Comella pushed his way to the depth chart last year and played in four games including the bowl game. Tommy Cusick and James Magerko are the others. R-So. Zach Kelly transferred from Bryant ahead last season and appeared in one game.

As with last year, there are plenty of true freshmen that could push for snaps. The staff has a load of them slotted as defensive backs making it BC’s biggest position group by far. Ashton Cunningham has impressed with his quick learning and instinct. Jersey native Marcus Upton is a top-50 recruit at his position, and North Carolina native Omarion Davis just behind him.

This young, talented secondary will be hungry to prove themselves. The emphasis on competition is fierce and we’ve been hearing positive reviews throughout the offseason. While the turnover rate will be hard to replicate, the team has the potential to make strides in coverage.