Plenty to talk about in this week’s college football journal. We have a coaching addition and a coaching change at Boston College. We also check on Bryant and the diverse class Chris Merritt and his staff brought in. 

Brown leaves Boston College: Defensive Backs Coach Ray Brown is leaving to take the cornerbacks job with the San Francisco 49ers. It was too good an opportunity for Brown to pass up. It also leaves the Eagles in a bind now because they have an important opening on their staff heading into spring ball. Could former Bishop Hendricken and Boston College standout Will Blackmon be a candidate? We shall see.

Thomas officially introduced: Boston College made the Jordan Thomas hiring official this week. Thomas was hired as defensive line coach to replace Jeff Commissong. Thomas spent the last three seasons in the NFL as the assistant defensive line coach with the Cleveland Browns. In 2024, he worked directly with current Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, who served as a coaching and personnel consultant in Cleveland last year. 

Bill O’Brien was glad to add a coach of Thomas’ caliber. 

“We interviewed a bunch of people for this d-line job and Jordan Thomas was the best,” said O’Brien on the latest episode of The Bill O’Brien Podcast. “A very detailed, young guy. He comes to us from the Cleveland Browns and he’ll do a great job with this d-line. We are excited to add Jordan Thomas to the staff.”

O’Brien and Harasymiak to appear at MHSFCA Clinic: Bill O’Brien will make an appearance at the MHSFCA Coaches Clinic on March 14th and new UMass Head Coach Joe Harasymiak is expected to make an appearance as well. 

Bryant brings in another diverse class: Chris Merritt and his staff did a great job of bringing another strong recruiting class to Smithfield. The class features a strong blend of transfers and high school talent. Merritt’s Florida in-roads once again paid dividends as three Florida recruits, wide receiver Shamar Fowles, defensive tackle Jamy Eme and safety Leroy Lee Jr. All three are talented young players who could develop into contributors. 

Rodgers and Driscoll win Super Bowl: Congratulations to former UMass Minutemen defensive back Isaiah Rodgers and offensive linemen Jack Driscoll on winning a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles. Rodgers in particular played a big role as returner and in sub packages defensively. It definitely helps in recruiting when you have former players win Super Bowls. It helps even more when they play well on the biggest stage. 

Local combine invites: Boston College offensive lineman Ozzy Trapilo, and Drew Kendall, EDGE Donovan Ezeiruaku and defensive tackle Cam Horsley were all invited to the NFL Scouting Combine. UConn’s Chase Lundt also received an invite. Ezeiruaku, Trapilo and Lundt are all expected to be off the board by the end of Day 2. Former UNH quarterback Max Brosmer also got the invite. Brosmer had a big season statistically for Minnesota and is seen as a middle round developmental prospect. Former Everett standout Josiah Stewart of Michigan will be in Indianapolis as well. 

Spring schedules coming fast and furious: We now know the spring football schedules of several programs in the area. Boston College opens on March 11th. Sacred Heart opens on March and the UMass Spring Game is April 19th. More dates will be revealed this week.