Before he was starring with the Baltimore Ravens and with MVP QB Lamar Jackson, Zay Flowers was an obscure, relatively unknown talent on the college football scene. It wasn’t until he exploded in the NFL that his name became nationally known.
Where did his career begin?
Zay Flowers’ Dominance Began At Boston College
Flowers had an exceptional career at Boston College, establishing himself as one of the most dynamic and productive wide receivers in the program’s history. Yet, it almost never got to that point.
A Florida native, Flowers arrived at Boston College in 2019 as a three-star recruit, but he quickly outperformed his initial ranking, becoming a key offensive player for the Eagles from his freshman season onward.
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His blend of speed, agility, and playmaking ability allowed him to stand out in the ACC, and he left Boston College as one of the top wide receivers in school history.
As a freshman in 2019, Flowers immediately made an impact, playing in 13 games and finishing with 22 receptions for 341 yards and three touchdowns. His ability to stretch the field and his big-play potential quickly became apparent.
Flowers also showcased versatility, adding 195 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground, showing his value as an all-around offensive weapon. By the end of the season, he had established himself as one of the most exciting young players in the ACC and set the foundation for his collegiate career.
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Flowers truly broke out during his sophomore season in 2020.
In a year marked by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, he rose above the difficulties and became the focal point of the Eagles’ passing attack. Playing in 11 games, he recorded 56 receptions for 892 yards and nine touchdowns.
His performance earned him First-Team All-ACC honors, and he was recognized as one of the top wide receivers in the conference. Flowers’ explosive speed and ability to create separation from defenders made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and his nine touchdown receptions tied for the second-most in a single season in Boston College history.
Building on that success, Flowers continued to elevate his game in 2021. He recorded 44 receptions for 746 yards and five touchdowns, despite facing frequent double teams and increased defensive attention. His ability to make plays in critical situations remained a hallmark of his game, and he continued to draw the attention of NFL scouts.
Flowers’ versatility as a receiver who could line up both outside and in the slot, combined with his elite speed and shiftiness, made him a focal point of the Eagles’ offense and a reliable target for his quarterbacks.
In his senior season in 2022, Flowers solidified his legacy at Boston College.
He caught 78 passes for 1,077 yards and 12 touchdowns, setting career highs in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. His 12 touchdown receptions set a new single-season record for Boston College, and his 1,077 receiving yards were the third-most in school history.
Once again, he earned First-Team All-ACC honors and was named a Biletnikoff Award semifinalist, which is given to the nation’s top wide receiver.
Flowers’ ability to dominate games with his route running, quickness, and ability to make plays after the catch made him one of the most dangerous receivers in college football.
By the end of his college career, Flowers had become Boston College’s all-time leader in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, finishing with 3,056 yards and 29 touchdowns. His four-year impact on the program was monumental, as he helped elevate Boston College’s offense and left an indelible mark on the school’s record books.
Flowers’ career at Boston College not only cemented his status as one of the best players in school history but also positioned him as one of the top wide receiver prospects for the NFL.
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