After a rollercoaster first year as a starter, marked by impressive stats but inconsistent play, Boston College quarterback Thomas Castellanos stands at a crucial point in his career.
Last season, he etched his name in BC lore as the first Eagles quarterback to pass for 2000 yards and rush for another 1000. This showcased a blend of arm strength and mobility. Alone, he made Boston College a fun-to-watch team in several games throughout the year.
Yet, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Castellanos was responsible for 24 turnover plays, a number that ranked him fourth among FBS quarterbacks who had a minimum of 150 dropbacks per Pro Football Focus.
His journey was peppered with highs and lows, reflecting a young athlete grappling with the complexities of Power Five football. With a year of experience and a winter of healing behind him, the spotlight will intensify.
The question on the lips of Eagle fans: Can Castellanos refine his raw talent into consistent excellence? As BC fans and coaches await with bated breath, this upcoming season promises to be a defining chapter in Castellanos’ burgeoning career and the Eagles’ football aspirations.
So, the burning question as Boston College gears up for the new season is, “What must Thomas Castellanos do to take the next step?”
Castellanos dazzled us with his arms and legs, but his 14 interceptions reveal a need for sharper decision-making. His first year starting was a patchwork of dazzling highs and frustrating lows. He often missed lurking defenders and telegraphed passes.
Solution? Enhanced film study and mental reps. With more experience and a deeper understanding of the offense, expect better anticipation and fewer risky throws. Also, focus on playing quarterback from the pocket, and not be so quick to tuck and run.
He will need to elevate his accuracy and ball placement if he wants to continue on the correct trajectory. With a 57.3% completion rate, Castellanos showed promise in short-range throws. However, his deep ball needs work, as indicated by a steep drop in accuracy beyond 10 yards. Focusing on consistent footwork and refining his throwing mechanics can boost his accuracy, particularly with longer throws.
Castellanos’ shift from an RPO-centric system to a more traditional setup at BC wasn’t seamless. The coaching staff must continue evolving the offense to play to his strengths. Maintaining a balance between pushing his development and leveraging his current skill set is key. Expect a mix of RPOs, quick throws, and designed runs, aiding his decision-making and playmaking abilities.
Castellanos has the raw talent to ascend as one of the ACC’s premier quarterbacks. He spent the second half of the season playing through injuries and it was noticeable. With focused offseason work, particularly on mental aspects and passing accuracy, he can lead the kind of offense that can sneak up on you and steal a game right from under your nose.