Bill O’Brien sets tone for BC with fast-paced NFL-style workout

Dressed entirely in black and unfazed by the sweltering heat, new Boston College football coach Bill O’Brien set the tone on the first day of training camp Saturday morning.

At exactly 8:30, he reminded quarterback Thomas Castellanos that his technique had to be perfect. At 9:21, he gathered his players at midfield and yelled that the execution had to be better. At 9:47, he ran the offense one lap after an infraction and told everyone within earshot that this wasn’t what they did at BC anymore.

The practice was effective, the energy was high, and there were plenty of repetitions. Offensive and defensive players went head-to-head, and there were plenty of fights. The execution was far from perfect, but it’s already clear that habits are forming.

“I’m really proud of the fact that they’ve bought into every aspect of what we’re trying to do,” O’Brien said.

The program is still aiming for its first eight-win season since 2009, and there are several reasons to believe this could be the year to win. After former head coach Jeff Hafley took the Green Bay Packers’ defensive coordinator job, O’Brien’s arrival brought a sense of rejuvenation and optimism.

At the same time, the Eagles know they have to prove themselves before they can earn national respect. Asked if he was using B.C.’s low conference standing as motivation, O’Brien didn’t hesitate.

“Of course I do. Are you kidding me?” he said. “There are 17 teams in the ACC? And we’re 17th?”

The Eagles were picked 14th, but the sentiment remains true.

“That’s just the way it is,” said O’Brien, who spent last season as the Patriots’ offensive coordinator. “I can’t control what people think. All we can control is what we do.”

His NFL-inspired workout is fluid, with pressure drills to simulate game action. O’Brien’s tough, affectionate style has already resonated with players.

“It’s really old school,” Cam Horsley, a graduate student in defense, said of his coach’s approach. “It’s black and white. There’s no gray area. If you do something right, you do it right. If you do something wrong, you have something to improve on. Everybody can always improve. Nobody’s complacent here.”

That mindset starts with Castellanos, a 5-foot-9, 196-pound dual-threat quarterback. Castellanos finished last season with 3,360 yards, third all-time at BC behind guys named Matt Ryan and Doug Flutie.

Still, he still has plenty of room for improvement. Castellanos has completed 57.3 percent of his passes and has thrown just one more touchdown than interception (15-14).

O’Brien said his ability to run the offense has “improved tenfold,” crediting him for coming in early to hone his technique. It’s clear O’Brien wants to establish a deeper threat this year.

“He’s made huge strides,” offensive line graduate student Ozzy Trapilo said of Castellanos. “It’s really exciting for the team. Last year, he came in and played well. He had the whole offseason to work as a guy. He’s really taken ownership of that position.”

Receiver Jerand Bradley, running back Kye Robichaux, defensive backs Max Tucker and Bryquice Brown stood out on the opening day. O’Brien appreciated the overall effort, but hopes to see more from an execution standpoint.

“I think it was a little sloppy today,” O’Brien said. “That’s always the way it is on the first day. The defense is a little ahead of the offense right now. It was a good start.”