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BC notebook

McLaughlin gets in on the action

By Mark Blaudschun
Globe Staff / September 10, 2009

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It was no big deal. A scout-team linebacker practiced against the first-team offense during yesterday’s practice, as Boston College prepared for Saturday’s game against Kent State.

Quarterback Justin Tuggle dropped back, looked for a receiver, and threw the ball right into the hands of . . . Mike McLaughlin, the team’s defensive captain, who was practicing for the first time since he tore his right Achilles’ tendon during a workout last March.

“It felt good,’’ said McLaughlin, his ankle wrapped in ice after his work for the day was over. “I’m still in the rehab phase, and it’s going to take time. I’m going to take it slow, but it’s up to me.’’

The original prediction was for a return by mid-September. McLaughlin, the Eagles’ middle linebacker, thought that was optimistic.

“I’m not sure,’’ he said. “We still have a ways to go. But this is definitely a step in the right direction.’’

Coach Frank Spaziani is not projecting anything yet.

“He’s ready to go,’’ said Spaziani. “Medically, he’s done all the tests. We are just waiting for him to test it to see if he’s ready. ‘’

Yesterday was the first test. Today will be another one, and the Eagles will see how it plays out after that, with a remote possibility that McLaughlin could dress for the game at Clemson Sept. 19. A more likely scenario is that he returns against either Wake Forest Sept. 26 or Florida State the following week.

Switching off
Neither Tuggle nor Dave Shinskie distinguished himself at practice yesterday, which might be what prompted offensive coordinator Gary Tranquill to insert Mike Marscovetra with the first team for a series. Spaziani said he anticipates rotating quarterbacks against Kent State the way he did against Northeastern . . . Linebacker Mark Herzlich, who is serving as an unofficial coach this season as he battles cancer, has resumed chemotherapy this week and was not at practice yesterday . . . Spaziani was a bit miffed when he was introduced on the ACC coaches conference call yesterday as “Frank Spaziani of the Boston College Golden Eagles.’’ . . . The Eagles’ defensive game plan this week is simple: Stop talented Kent State tailback Eugene Jarvis. “You are going to see him on first down, second down, and third down,’’ defensive coordinator Billy McGovern told his players as they ran against the scout team, with running back Jeff Smith playing the role of Jarvis. The 5-foot-5-inch, 170-pound senior had 141 rushing yards (1 TD) and 265 all-purpose yards against Coastal Carolina last week.

Mark Blaudschun can be reached at blaudschun@globe.com.

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