By Tiffany Williams –
Boston College enters the 2025 season with a crowded backfield and a coaching staff facing the challenge of turning depth into production. For years the Eagles have relied on a strong running game to establish their offensive identity, but inconsistency and injuries have stalled that formula in recent seasons. With a mix of veterans, transfers, and homegrown recruits, Boston College may finally have the variety of skill sets needed to regain that edge.
The headliner is sophomore Turbo Richard, who emerged as a promising young back in 2024 despite battling through injury. At 5-foot-8 and 207 pounds, Richard runs with power and balance, showing the ability to churn out tough yards and bounce plays outside when needed. He totaled 278 rushing yards as a freshman, highlighted by a 74-yard performance against Duquesne and a strong showing in the Pinstripe Bowl where he scored a touchdown and added a 50-yard reception. For Boston College, which has struggled to find a consistent lead back since AJ Dillon, Richard represents the most complete option. His ability to contribute on early downs, pass protect, and catch out of the backfield makes him the closest thing to a true every-down back on the roster.
Complementing him is senior Jordan McDonald, a transfer from UCF who found his rhythm late last season. At 6-foot-1 and 211 pounds, McDonald gives the Eagles a physical runner who can punish defenses between the tackles. He broke out with a 133-yard performance against Syracuse in November and followed that up with consistent production down the stretch, scoring in three of the final four games. His combination of size and experience makes him an ideal short-yardage and red-zone option, but he also showed he can handle a heavier workload when called upon. If he can sustain the form he displayed late in 2024, McDonald should carve out a significant role alongside Richard.
The wild card is redshirt junior Alex Broome, who missed all of last year with an injury. Before that setback, Broome had proven himself to be a versatile weapon capable of changing games. In 2022 and 2023 he rushed for over 500 yards combined while also contributing as a reliable pass-catcher. His 80-yard performance against Connecticut and a receiving touchdown against Virginia Tech two years ago highlighted his playmaking ability. If Broome can return to full strength, his burst and agility could make him the third key piece in the rotation, particularly on third downs and in passing situations. Durability, however, remains the question.
The program also turned to its backyard for reinforcements, landing two of Massachusetts’ most productive high school players in recent memory. Westford native Bo MacCormack III graduated as the state’s all-time leading rusher with 6,699 yards and 100 touchdowns. His physical style and vision make him a natural fit for the college game, and while freshmen often need time to adjust, MacCormack may be too talented to keep on the sidelines for long. Alongside him is Catholic Memorial’s Mekhi Dodd, a dynamic runner who averaged 137 scrimmage yards per game as a senior. Dodd’s explosiveness sets him apart, and while he may begin his college career on special teams or in limited packages, his big-play ability will tempt the coaching staff to find ways to get him involved.
Behind them are depth players who provide insurance and situational value. Redshirt sophomore Anthony Ferrucci, a product of Indiana, has yet to see significant action but brings speed and toughness. Redshirt junior Hunter Clark, at 243 pounds, offers the kind of power rarely seen in today’s college backfields. While his touches may be limited, his size makes him a logical option in short-yardage situations and on special teams. Both players may not feature prominently, but they add layers of stability to what is already a deep room.
The most intriguing part of Boston College’s backfield is not just the individual talent but how complementary the skill sets are. Richard has the potential to be the workhorse, McDonald provides power, Broome adds pass-catching and change-of-pace ability, and the freshmen inject upside. Offensive coordinator Steve Shimko will have the flexibility to mix and match depending on the opponent, something the Eagles have not had in several years.
Still, everything hinges on the offensive line. Boston College has struggled with inconsistency in the trenches, and no running back room, no matter how talented, can thrive without steady blocking. If the line can hold up, this group has the potential to be one of the most balanced in the ACC.
Boston College will likely start the season with Richard, McDonald, and Broome carrying the bulk of the workload, but MacCormack and Dodd represent the future and could break through sooner rather than later. The hope is that the depth not only helps withstand injuries but also keeps backs fresh deeper into the season.
The Eagles have traditionally leaned on their rushing attack in their best years, and 2025 could mark a return to that identity. With a healthy Richard leading the way, McDonald continuing his late-season form, and Broome adding versatility, Boston College may finally have the multi-dimensional rushing offense it has been missing. If the young talent develops quickly, this could be one of the most complete backfields the program has had in over a decade.