The redshirt sophomore missed three games following a scary neck injury, but is on track to play when the Eagles (2-3, 0-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) host Pittsburgh on Saturday.
Quarterback Mason Heintschel is out for the Panthers (5-1, 2-1), who lost to North Carolina last week. Heintschel’s replacement, Holden Geriner, threw two interceptions in his first career start, but coach Bill O’Brien’s BC defense isn’t sleeping on the backup QB’s prowess. Damon Ferguson Jr. has 319 rushing yards for Pittsburgh, Cataurus Hicks has 365 receiving yards, and the offensive line is a formidable unit.
A rapidly-improving Eagles defense will try to force Geriner into making quick, ill-advised decisions.
Defensive back Charlie Comella, who has seven tackles in back-to-back games, has emerged as a breakout player. The Wellesley native and Xaverian product, who also provides a lift in the return game, earned lofty praise from O’Brien this week.
“Just everything we’re looking for at Boston College,” O’Brien said. “That’s what we’re trying to recruit right there is Charlie Comella.”
The return of Kahoun, a 6-foot-2-inch, 225-pound Notre Dame transfer, will bolster a unit that could dictate the flow of the matchup.
“Bodie is flying around,” defensive back Marcus Upton said. “You probably wouldn’t even tell that he was injured. It’s good to see him back out there, always laughing and smiling. He brings a lot of energy.”
Kahoun called the neck injury a “football play” and said his focus quickly shifted to how he could recover and return to action. The possibility of a severe long-term injury briefly entered his mind, but he blocked it out and tried to look at the positives.
He said his family always tries to see the best outcome in any situation. If something is wrong, the focus is on how to fix it. That approach served him well throughout his recovery.
“It makes you realize that everything can happen in an instant,” Kahoun said. “It makes you appreciate a lot more.”
Kahoun addressed the team briefly but said he didn’t want to make it about himself. He said he came to Boston College to become a leader, and believes he is taking “baby steps” in that direction.
O’Brien highlighted Kahoun’s leadership qualities and made it clear his positivity is contagious.
“He brings a lot of juice,” O’Brien said. “It’s just really good to have him back.”
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When asked about former general manager Kenyatta Watson’s departure, O’Brien kept his answers vague and general.
“Kenyatta is no longer with the program,” O’Brien said. “We wish him the best. That’s really all I have to say on it.”
O’Brien went on to say Watson is no longer with the program two more times and noted “everybody is very aligned” in the program. He said he didn’t address it with the team and praised his staff for its continued work.
Upton described Watson as someone who is “real genuine” who he could always talk to. Kahoun added the team’s focus is on Pittsburgh, noting that it’s a “business world.”
“He’s an awesome guy,” Kahoun said. “I had great conversations with him all the time.”
Trevor Hass can be reached at trevor.hass@globe.com. Follow him on X @TrevorHass.
