10. - Who will emerge beyond Jamie Silva and DeJuan Tribble in the BC secondary?
BC fans received bad news yesterday as word leaked that senior safety and media guide coverboy Ryan Glasper will miss the entire 2006 season. This moves true sophomore Paul Anderson to starting safety at least for now. Will Kevin Akins move from linebacker back into the secondary? Will Larry Anam play corner or safety? Will Brad Mueller or Taji Morris make significant contributions this year? Will any true freshmen stand out this summer? It all remains to be seen.
9. - Will Tom O'Brien name a starting running back?
Running back-by-committee has been the theme during the post-Derrick Knight era at Chestnut Hill. L.V. Whitworth and Andre Callender are listed as co-starters, and with A.J. Brooks back in the mix after a redshirt year the Eagles have a number of options at RB. Throw super-fast freshman Jeff Smith in the mix and the running back battle should be pretty competitive in camp.
8. - Can Tony Gonzalez be "the guy" at WR?
My money's on "yes." With Matt Ryan at the helm for good, senior Tony Gonzalez will be BC's number one receiver for the first time in his career. He will be complemented by fellow-upperclassmen Kevin Challenger and Taylor Sele. Gonzalez led BC's 2005 receiving corps in touchdowns with 5 despite having only 28 receptions. Expect bigger numbers in 2006 as he'll be getting more reps and already has good chemistry with Ryan.
7. - Who will emerge at tight end?
Chris Miller provided a reliable pass-catcher at the tight end position in 2005, and heading into camp there is a cavalcade of players competing for PT. This week Trey Koziol returns from a knee injury, Jon Loyte makes his eligibility debut after two years at Vandy, Jordon McMichael arrives at summer camp for the first time, Ryan Purvis returns as BC's 2005 receptions leader from the tight ends position (he caught six), and with the logjam perhaps Ryan Thompson will be moved to the other side of the ball. Stay tuned.
6. - How good will the linebackers be?
With the losses on the DL in front of them, they'd better be really good. JoLonn Dunbar takes over for Ray Henderson in the middle and could emerge as one of the best "Mikes" that BC has ever seen. Reports say that Brian Toal is fully recovered from the injury that forced him to miss Spring practice and held him to limited action in the Boise Bowl. He has already been named to the Bednarik watch list. Tyronne Pruitt looks to be the starter at the other outside linebacker position, and the starting three are the best BC's seen in years. Depth-wise it remains to be seen where Kevin Akins will end up; he had been moved to LB in the Spring . Sophomore Robert Francois was impressive in 2005, but beyond him the reserves are thin. Redshirt freshman Mike McLaughlin will be one guy who needs to step up.
Check back later for questions on the OL, DL, special teams and coaching staff.