Jagodzinski has good news and bad news
Eagles to suffer losses, yet solid pieces remain
NASHVILLE - The Boston College football staff scattered yesterday, heading in different directions as one season (playing) was replaced by another (recruiting).
The Eagles wrapped up another season that had more pluses than minuses, although the taste of their 16-14 loss to Vanderbilt in Wednesday's Music City Bowl will linger.
But time will lend perspective on a 9-5 season, which produced the Eagles' second consecutive ACC Atlantic Division championship.
BC coach Jeff Jagodzinski talked about the legacy of the senior class, which had set the bar higher each year.
When Jagodzinski was asked which of his first two seasons at The Heights was more satisfying, he didn't hesitate. "This year," he said. "No one expected us to do anything and with all the injuries and guys stepping up, it was something special. No one really cared who was playing. We just went out and played."
The question that has to be asked: Can the Eagles get a third consecutive division crown and start a new bowl victory streak, which was snapped at eight by Vanderbilt?
Let's take a quick look at what the Eagles have - and don't have - going into the 2009 recruiting season.
Quarterback - The biggest question mark, with soon-to-be redshirt sophomore Dominique Davis contending with soon-to-be redshirt freshman Justin Tuggle.
"I learned a lot this season," said Davis, who was 15 of 36 for 190 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions against Vanderbilt. "And it will help me next season."
Davis conceded the job is wide open. Jagodzinski agreed. "It absolutely is," he said.
Jagodzinski also talked about the recruiting process. "We have to keep increasing the talent level," he said. "We're going to get the same type of kid. Character guys. That hasn't changed."
Running backs - The combination of Montel Harris and Josh Haden is solid and Harris showed signs of being a star. "We may have found something there," Jagodzinski said earlier in the season.
The Eagles could have a junior college transfer from Alabama coming in, which might make things interesting in the backfield. Jeff Smith of Plympton remains a mystery.
Fullback looms as a question mark since James McCluskey, who broke his leg midseason, will not return until next summer at the earliest.
Offensive line - Solid and improving, with only guard Clif Ramsey leaving. "We want to revive the idea that this is O-Line U," said Jagodzinski.
Wide receiver - Rich Gunnell, Justin Jarvis, Billy Flutie, and Ifeanyi Momah have had shining moments and freshman Colin Larmond Jr. had a key touchdown reception against Vanderbilt, which Jagodzinski hopes is a sign of the future.
Tight end - Ryan Purvis is gone, but freshman Lars Anderson showed potential.
Defensive line - Losing B.J. Raji and Ron Brace will hurt. "Those two guys we are really going to miss," said Jagodzinski.
Austin Giles, Jerry Willette, and Kaleb Ramsey are the nucleus of this group.
Linebacker - Robert Francois is gone, but the Eagles hope Mark Herzlich returns for his senior season rather than enter the NFL draft. Mike McLaughlin has developed into a solid LB and team leader the last two years.
Defensive backs - Young and improving. Paul Anderson is gone, but Wes Davis, DeLeon Gause, Donnie Fletcher, and Roderick Rollins return.
BC needs to improve the depth, and without Raji and Brace shutting down the running game, the burden on the defensive backs and linebackers will increase.
"I didn't think we'd be as good in the secondary as we were," said Jagodzinski.
Kicking game - If Steve Aponavicius is not asked back, tryout camp will begin this spring. Ryan Quigley has developed into a solid punter.
"We've got a nucleus," said Jagodzinski.
Mark Blaudschun can be reached at blaudschun@globe.com. 