This take completely misses how modern roster construction actually works. Boston College has adapted better than most ACC programs, retaining key players through competitive NIL while developing others for the NFL. The idea that players leaving early "kills team building" ignores the data. Look at BC's offensive line continuity over the past three seasons, a unit that has consistently ranked in the top 25 for fewest sacks allowed because they develop and retain players. The portal and early departures are a challenge every program faces, not an excuse. Programs that build depth and culture, like BC has under Jeff Hafley, actually benefit from sending guys to the league early because it becomes a recruiting pitch. The "mercenary system" narrative is lazy. Players have always sought the best opportunity for their future. The difference now is they have agency, and programs that complain about it are the ones failing to adapt their development model. BC's defensive front, for instance, returned its top two sack leaders from a unit that ranked 3rd in the ACC in tackles for loss last year. That's program building in the modern era. Rival fans longing for "the old days" are just revealing their own program's inability to keep players engaged and developing for more than a couple of seasons.
