Boston College's season may begin in a little over a week, but they are still busy on the recruiting trail adding yet another running back to the 2014 class. Rivals.com's Shawn Brown confirmed that Montvale NJ all purpose back Sherm Alston committed to the Eagles yesterday.
Just confirmed that SJR RB Sherm Alston did in fact commit to Boston College earlier today @DakKid_Sherm
— Shawn Brown (@ShawnBRivals) August 22, 2013
Offers
The Montvale HS running back flew mainly out of the radar, only receiving offers currently from UNH, Delaware, and Bryant. But Brown elaborated on Twitter that he believes that Alston will be getting more BCS interest as his senior season progresses. His two primary recruiters were offensive coordinator Ryan Day and running backs coach Al Washington.
What I've Seen
Alston is the third running back in the 2014 class joining Marcus Outlow and Richard Wilson. The NJ native is an intriguing back because he is completely different than the other two backs. He is 5'6 or 5'7, a good four-five inches shorter than the other backs, but what he lacks in size he compensates with speed. According to recruiting profiles he runs a 4.46 40.
Super Inaccurate 40 Time
4.46
Expert Ratings
Rivals: NR
Scout: NR
ESPN: NR
247: NR
Video
The High School
Via Wikipedia:
Long considered a regional powerhouse, SJR football has grown to become one of the best high school football programs in the country. The football team won the NJSIAA 1987-88 (Non-Public North A), 1995-96 (Non-Public Group III), 1997 (Non-Public Group IV), 1999-2005, 2008-09 and 2011-12 (Non-Public Group III).[8] The SJR varsity football team had a streak of seven Non-Public Group III titles through the 2005 season, a run ended with a close loss to Holy Cross High School in the first round of the 2006 playoffs. The football team has also had its share of national rankings by USA Today, including #8 in 1995, #11 in 1997, #7 in 1999, and #23 in 2004. SJR has also been ranked #1 in the state in 1995, 1997, and 1999. Other teams have been listed in the nation's top 25 rankings during various parts of the year.[9][10] Through 2010, the Green Knights had won 14 state championships: 1987, 1988, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008 and 2009.[11] SJR also received The Star-Ledger Trophy in 1995, 1997, and 1999, recognizing the team as the #1 football team in New Jersey. The team had heartbreaking seasons in 2006 and 2007, not making it into the state finals and enduring very disappointing seasons. However, the 2008 team finished with an 11-1 record and won against Immaculata High School 27-6 in the state championship.[12] The 2009 varsity football team defeated Immaculata again in the state championship 14-0. Saint Joe's beat Delbarton School 45-22 in the 2011 Non-Public Group III title game played at Kean University to earn its 15th state championship title.
Prediction Based On What I've Seen
As we have already seen this year, Boston College is dangerously thin at Running back. There was a lot of buzz that BC could be going for a third back, and when a player like this hits your lap you have to do it. He strikes me as very similar to the "Human Jet" Krondis Larry who BC was thought to have had earlier in the year. He's small and quick, and could be a great change of pace back to some of the more physical backs they already have.
In terms of the grand scheme of things, 247Sports brings up another interesting point. Montvale HS has a huge 2015 recruit 4* OG Tommy Hatton. The highly sought after guard speaks very highly of Alston, and getting the RB to BC might be a solid pipeline move for the future.
Sherm Alston is the 22nd commit for 2014. Welcome to the Heights!