By Mark Blaudschun, Globe Staff
Oops.
The Boston College running back situation became a little more murky this afternoon when Andre Williams went down with a sprained ankle early in a situational scrimmage.
Williams, who had moved into the starting slot after Montel Harris was sidelined for up to a month following arthroscopic surgery on Wednesday, had shown some early flash this afternoon with 42 yards on seven carries, including one slashing 18-yard burst.
Coach Frank Spaziani was cautious about making any prognosis. "Initially, I said it was like a sprained ankle,'' Spaziani said after the scrimmage in which the BC defense showed more aggressiveness than in the previous two scrimmages. "We'll see tomorrow. As long he doesn't go square dancing tonight.''
Spaziani continued to be concerned about his defense, which has labeled soft. Part of the problem has been injuries, especially on the line. Starter Kaleb Ramsey and backups Bryan Murray and Kieran Borcich were out today. Also missing was starting weakside linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis, who suffered a concussion in Wednesday's scrimmage. While Will Thompson moved into the starting spot, the linebacker who created the biggest stir today was backup Nick Clancy, who had been battling Steele Divitto for the starting spot at strong side linebacker. Clancy moved to the weakside and went wild with five tackles, four of them for losses, and a pass deflection...QB Josh Bordner participated in his first scrimmage after missing the first two because of back problems....Spaziani also shook up his secondary, with starting safeties Dominick Legrande and Okechukwu Okoroha being held out. Back up cornerback Jim Noel moved into a safety spot and drew praise from Spaziani. "I like Jim Noel,'' he said. "Jimmy is a football player. He works hard. We need more Jimmy Noels.''.
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Starting QB Chase Rettig (11 of 22, 180 yards) wasn't quite as sharp as in the first two scrimmages. But Rettig did connect with wide receiver Alex Amidon (3 catches 91 yards) on spectacular 44-yard TD pass ... Kicker Nate Freese showed his leg strength by booting a 52-yard field goal to set up a game-tying field goal ... Players do not practice tomorrow, but will hold picture day. The final scrimmage of camp is set for Wednesday afternoon...Guard Nate Richman (back) continues to be iffy and Spaziani said the team must move on. Center Mark Spinney will start at left guard and redshirt freshman Andy Gallik will move in at center.