Boston College, TE Lars Anderson Exclusive

With the annual Jay McGillis Memorial Spring Game this Saturday, Boston College redshirt-junior tight end Lars Anderson is prepared to contribute in whatever way possible. “I take a lot of pride in being able to do many different roles in the offense, I’ve played tight end, fullback, H-back, and split out sometimes,” said Anderson.


Last season, Anderson started 10 games at fullback and appeared in all 13 games for the Eagles. He finished fifth on the team with eight receptions for 102 yards and a touchdown. Anderson believes that his role on the Eagles offensive will develop into more opportunities for him to make big-time plays. “I had a lot of up's and down's last year,” he said. “I played more of a fullback role which I didn't mind, but so far this spring I think I’m proving myself as more of a receiver.”

As Boston College look to build off last seasons 8-4 record highlighted by an appearance at the Emerald Bowl against Southern Cal, Eagles fans have reason be excited about this coming season. “The offense as a whole has a lot of experience coming back including our quarterback Dave Shinskie” Anderson said. “We are off to a good start but there is a lot of work to be done.”

Shinskie 26, set freshman passing records with 2,049 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. Anderson has nothing but positive things to say about the quarterback, “I believe {Shinskie} has improved tremendously since the bowl game in December. He is getting better everyday and I believe it is his job to lose thus far.”

With expectations always high at Boston College, Anderson looks to the NFL for inspiration on improving his game. “I like to watch all of the players that have the same H-back body-type as me, He said in a phone interview. “I think the role of the H-back in the NFL is just starting to come around now and tight end's are becoming very valuable as well.”


Having alumni like Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan and Green Bay Packers DT B.J. Raji offer advice to their former teammates helps tremendously. “Basically, these guys tell us to stay focused and motivated, Anderson said of his former teammates. “You have to do all the small things from watching film after practice to staying extra in the weight room if you want to make that jump {to the NFL}.”

The Eagles welcome back defensive captain and 2008 ACC Player of the Year Mark Herzlich. He missed all of last year after battled back from Ewing's sarcoma cancer. “{Herzlich’s} story just represents everything you want to use in any life obstacles.” He added, “Anytime I don't feel like practicing or lifting, I can just think of what he would give to be back out there with us.”

Finally when asked about his goals for this season Anderson quickly murmured, “Just like every year our goal is to win the ACC championship.” He continued by saying “Before last year, one of the commentators predicted us to go 2-10, sometimes you can't help but laugh at some of the things people say.”

Special thanks to my former high-school football teammate Lars Anderson for the interview

2010 NFL Mock Draft First Round (22-32)

This is the final installment for the 2010 NFL Mock Draft picks (22-32). You can win Shaft Sports merchandise if you send in your round one mock draft. The fan with the highest number of picks selected in the first round will in a Shaft Sports T-Shirt. Email your Draft picks to jtshafer@eagle.fgcu.edu



#22: New England Patriots: Sergio Kindle, DE – Texas

Kindle will play the hybrid role of defensive end/outside linebacker in New England. He has good athleticism and runs relatively well but not elite. He will be an immediate contributor on special teams and as a rotation player. Kindle will need to add some weight to his frame so he’ll be able to put up with the constant punishment he’ll receive at his position.





#23: Green Bay Packers: Mike Lupati, OG – Idaho



Green Bay was one of the many teams who had difficulty staying consistent with their offensive line play. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was able to manage because of his ability to move around in the pocket and make plays with his legs. However if they want to be atop the NFL North they need quality offensive linemen. Lupati has excellent size and strength along with great power. He is one of the larger linemen in the draft (6’5, 331 lbs) allowing him to block almost anyone. This could help the Packers have better success against the Minnesota Vikings defensive tackles Pat and Kevin Williams.



#24: Philadelphia Eagles: Devin McCourty, CB – Rutgers

The Eagles are starting a new era in Philadelphia after trading starting QB Donavan McNabb. They have gotten rid of a few other players over 30, like CB Sheldon Brown. Philly seems to want to get young and drafting Scarlett Knight’s corner Devin McCourty would make sense. He has the ability to contribute immediately at nickel and special teams. He has great ball skills and is active in the secondary. Look for the Eagles to draft someone like McCourty who can contribute sooner rather than later.



#25: Baltimore Ravens: Brian Price, DT – UCLA

Price would be an ideal fit for the Ravens because of his ability to hold the point of attack. He maintains his gap responsibility and uses his hands well against defenders. He doesn’t have ideal size for the nose tackle position (6’1, 303 lbs) but makes up for it with his motor. He never stops playing and is a force to be reckoned with along the defensive line.



#26: Arizona Cardinals: Bruce Campbell, OT – Maryland

The Arizona Cardinals have a lot of question marks heading into this coming season. Kurt Warner has finally retired and Matt Leinart doesn’t seem to be the answer at quarterback. However the Cardinals will be unwilling to reach on a QB like Colt McCoy or Tim Tebow. They look to improve their offensive line with Bruce Campbell. He has improved his draft stock in recent weeks, therefore he might not be available at 26, but if he is the Cardinals will snatch him up.



#27: Dallas Cowboys: Arrelious Benn, WR – Illinois

Miles Austin emerged last season as the number one target for Cowboys QB Tony Romo. Roy Williams has been a disappointment for Dallas and with no other receiving options they look to the draft. Benn has great ball skills and leaping ability allowing him to catch the ball at the highest point. He needs to improve his route running but could compete for the other starting position aside Miles Austin.



#28: San Diego Chargers: Ryan Mathews, RB – Fresno State

After parting ways with longtime Charger LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego now only has Darren Sproles and needs someone to help shoulder the workload. Fresno State’s Ryan Mathews is a one cut runner with great speed (4.45 forty). He is elusive in space but has some injury concerns due to his inability to stay healthy for a full season during his college career. Sproles and Mathews would be a great one-two punch that would help Philip Rivers stay away from throwing the ball over 35 times a contest.



#29: New York Jets: Brandon Graham, DE – Michigan

Graham is just the type of player Jets head coach Rex Ryan likes. He is a disruptive defender that has a high motor. Graham has good initial quickness as an edge rusher, and could transition well into Ryan’s 3-4 schemes. The Jets allowed less then 100 yards rushing per game last season, but can’t pass up having another option like Graham because of the likelihood of injuries taking place.



#30: Minnesota Vikings: Patrick Robinson, CB – Florida State

The Minnesota Vikings have some positions they would like to improve, but the one which needs the most attention is cornerback. Starter Cedric Griffin was injured during the playoffs last season and won’t be ready till after the start of the 2010 season. To add insult to injury Antoine Winfield missed a portion of last season due to injury. Robinson is solid in the run game but isn’t always the most physical corner. He is aggressive in zone schemes and will contribute on special teams as well as nickel during his rookie season.




#31: Indianapolis Colts: Jared Odrick, DT – Penn State


The Colts have lacked a dominate force in the middle during the past few years since their Super Bowl run. Odrick is more of a run stopper who will clog the middle. He has the ability to feel pad pressure and constantly get pressure up on opposing offenses.





#32: New Orleans Saints: Kareem Jackson, CB – Alabama


Jackson has great speed (4.48 forty), and great foot quickness to be able to hang with the faster receivers. New Orleans only weakness last season was the play from the cornerbacks. This season teams will try exploiting that weakness. Jackson is inconsistent as a run support defender but should get quality playing time due to his ability to anticipate and jump routes.