The Boston College Eagles’ season hasn’t been going particularly poorly, but news surfaced Wednesday that quarterback Thomas Castellanos has left the team. On the surface, it’s shocking, but on further reflection, the fit was never there between the free-wheeling dual-threat and the pro-style coach.
Castellanos has not entered the transfer portal, but it’s hard to see a resolution to this situation that doesn’t involve a parting of ways. If he enters the portal, here are five potential landing spots.
Where Could Thomas Castellanos Transfer?
Castellanos will be a hot commodity in the portal, should he enter. He’s a true junior with elite rushing ability who, despite any potential issues with scheme fit in Bill O’Brien’s system, has grown as a passer this season.
As a sophomore at Boston College, Castellanos finished third in the ACC — and first among quarterbacks — with 1,113 rushing yards. He’s electric with the ball in his hands, even if he tries to make several plays outside the frame of the play. In hindsight, that was never going to mesh with O’Brien’s pro-style system and experience.
But it is a trait that could excite other teams.
Florida State Seminoles
I’m not sure if you’ve heard, but the Florida State Seminoles could use a quarterback. There isn’t one with elite potential either on the roster or in the high school recruiting class, so the Seminoles will be looking for a difference-maker in the portal.
Tallahassee is just a three-hour drive from Castellanos’ hometown of Waycross, Georgia, and he’s shown before that he can compete and thrive at the ACC level. The Seminoles will be extremely active in the portal yet again, so if Castellanos enters, we’ll know if Florida State has interest.
Vanderbilt Commodores
It doesn’t take an insider to tell you that the Vanderbilt Commodores will be searching for a quarterback in the transfer portal this offseason. Diego Pavia sued the NCAA for extra eligibility, represented by two Vanderbilt lawyers, and Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea all but admitted the Commodores will be active in seeking another gunslinger.
I use gunslinger intentionally here. Pavia has shown that the key to success at Vanderbilt is having a guy in the shotgun who can run or throw against more talented defenses, maximizing the talent around him. Another not-so-insignificant factor is that Castellanos’ credits are more likely to get past Vanderbilt’s rigorous admissions requirements.
Auburn Tigers
If Hugh Freeze is given another year (or even if he isn’t), the Auburn Tigers will be extremely diligent in finding a quarterback. Castellanos fits the mold of the type of quarterback Freeze has had success with in the past, so that would be something that could mutually benefit both Auburn and former Boston College QB.
I don’t think Castellanos would be the first guy on the list for the Tigers, but the competition in the quarterback market will be fierce. Freeze would be wise to cast a wide net so he can avoid another situation like this season.
Texas State Bobcats
I’m always a fan of reuniting a quarterback with his high school recruiter, especially if that recruiter moves to a new school and gets a promotion. G.J. Kinne was the offensive coordinator with the UCF Knights when Castellanos was recruited there out of high school.
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Now with the Texas State Bobcats, Kinne has a great track record with quarterbacks and knows how to use dual-threat guys effectively. If Castellanos enters the transfer portal and doesn’t have as much interest as we might think, this could be a perfect match.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
On the surface, this looks like a weird match, but Dave Clawson is starting to run his quarterbacks more often, and the slow mesh is evolving to utilize the legs of his signal-callers. I really like the fit with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons here and the idea of Castellanos staying in the ACC.
Again, the admissions aspect is interesting, as Wake Forest is difficult to get into even as a transfer, so finding one from a high-academic school will really help.
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