Palano, a versatile linebacker whose only offer out of high school came from South Dakota State, has immediately established himself as a leader after transferring from Washington State.
“I feel like it’s a full-circle moment,” Palano said. “I’m truly blessed. It was definitely cool to step off that plane and represent something that’s bigger than myself.”
Palano and McKenzie, joined by coach Bill O’Brien and veteran defensive back KP Price, encapsulate the underdog mentality of this year’s team. Coming off a 2-10 season, with a half-new roster and low expectations from the outside, the Eagles are determined to prove people wrong.
O’Brien believes it’s a much-improved group, but he made it clear the Eagles have to execute on the field.
“I feel really good about the chemistry of the team, the talent of the team, I feel good about the coaching,” O’Brien said. “I think we’re on the right track.”
Here are four takeaways:
No quarterback controversy
Much of the conversation last season centered around the quarterback battle between Dylan Lonergan and Grayson James.
This year, there is no debate and no discussion. Until further notice, the redshirt junior McKenzie (6 feet, 1 inch, 200 pounds) is the starter.
“He’s been the No. 1 guy since he arrived here,” O’Brien said.
O’Brien said the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference is very competitive, noting that Ole Miss star Trinidad Chambliss made a name for himself from Ferris State.
He called McKenzie a “winner” and highlighted his intelligence, leadership, and rare skill set.
“I’ve always been told I’m too small, not big enough, not fast enough, can’t throw the ball well enough,” McKenzie said. “It’s how it’s been my whole life, but I’ve always been able to perform.”
It’s rare for a defensive player in his first year with a program to attend ACC Kickoff. The fact that O’Brien chose Palano (6-1, 230) shows how much trust he has in his ability to lead and perform on the field.
Palano, a redshirt sophomore, called it “an honor” to represent BC and Boston in Charlotte.
“Being able to establish myself as a leader, I feel like it started when I transferred here,” Palano said. “All the guys who were already here, and who transferred in, welcomed everybody with open arms. You could start building trust right away. It’s super important to start that process early.”
O’Brien credited Palano for attacking every day and said he has brought a lot to the program already.
“He’s tough, he can run, he’s a great communicator,” O’Brien said. “I have really high hopes for him.”
Palano and his sidekicks will have their hands full fortifying a defense that allowed the most rushing yards in the conference last season.
Price (6-2, 205) said it was a “really easy” decision to return to Boston College.
“This is the place I belong,” Price said. “I was called to it.”
While leadership is spread throughout the roster, the savvy senior Price is the undisputed top dog. He said he relishes his role and loves helping his teammates acclimate.
“It’s a lot of new faces, but what’s crazy about it is that I feel like this is the closest our team has ever been since I’ve been here,” Price said.
Up-and-coming tight end Kaelan Chudzinski is expected to miss the season with an Achilles injury.
The Needham native and St. Sebastian’s product established himself as one of the best freshmen in the ACC last year. Chudzinski (6-3, 240), the son of current BC senior offensive analyst and former NFL head coach Rob Chudzinski, contributed 24 catches for 313 yards and four touchdowns.
He suffered the injury in spring practice and is progressing through rehab.
“If you asked him, he’d tell you he’s coming back this season, but chances are that probably isn’t the case,” O’Brien said. “He’ll be back with us in January.”
In Chudzinski’s absence, redshirt freshman Bryce Lewis is moving from the defensive line to tight end. Lewis (6-6, 245), the son of former Eagles defensive coordinator Tim Lewis, played tight end in high school.
Standout wide receiver Jaedn Skeete (6-2, 200), a Hyde Park native and Catholic Memorial product, is back after missing the spring with a shoulder injury.
Trevor Hass can be reached at trevor.hass@globe.com. Follow him on X @TrevorHass.
