5 college passers the Steelers should keep tabs on in 2021

Phil Jurkovec

In hopping to Beantown from Notre Dame, Gibsonia native Phil Jurkovec did more—at least just as much—with lesser-known talent.

Rather than waste away behind Ian Book, the 6’5”, 226-pound Jurkovec left a historical power that seldom made use of his abilities for Boston College, a program that hasn’t ever claimed full ownership of a conference crown. His presence behind center is one the Eagles haven’t seen in over a decade.

The Eagles hadn’t watched a passer toss four or more 300-yard games in a season since NFL MVP Matt Ryan did in 2007. No longer a clipboard carrier, Jurkovec did so in his first five games. Against No. 11 North Carolina in his second start, he hit the mark on 37 passes, the second-most completions in a game in BC history.

For the whole year, Jurkovec passed for 2,558 yards, the most ever by any Eagle over his first ten starts. He fought through a dislocated shoulder at Syracuse, then sat for the team’s regular-season finale the next month. If healthy for those contests, it wouldn’t have been hard to see Jurkovec’s numbers top those of Notre Dame’s Book’s.

Much like a young Roethlisberger, Jurkovec lengthens plays with his archetypal frame and mobility. In Frank Cignetti Jr.’s offense, expect him to make noise this upcoming schedule.