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Boston College wide receiver Michael “Dino” Tomlin, son of Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, knows the weight his family name holds in football. But Tomlin wants to create his own identity.

Tomlin’s parents, Mike and Kiya Winston, let him choose any career path he wanted, but his heart told him to follow in his father’s footsteps. Tomlin played football at Shady Side Academy, a high school near Pittsburgh, PA, and eventually committed to Maryland. But after notching just three receptions in three seasons there, he transferred to Boston College. Now in his graduate year, the Eagles are relying on Tomlin to step up in the absence of one of their top wide receivers, Ryan O’Keefe.

Tomlin grew up in Squirrel Hill, PA. In 2008, when Tomlin was 7-years-old, his father guided the Steelers to a Super Bowl XLIII victory over the Arizona Cardinals. While Mike wanted his son to grow the family’s football footprint, they allowed Tomlin to dictate his future.

“(My parents) always told me ‘You don’t have to do our thing, but you got to do something. Doesn’t matter what it is, but it better be something,’” said Mason, Tomlin’s brother.

Ultimately, Tomlin chose football. In his senior season at Shady Side, Tomlin recorded a touchdown on all 18 of his receptions, for a total of 644 receiving yards. He became one of the top wide receiver recruits in the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) and received several offers from schools like Pittsburgh, Army and Dartmouth.

Tomlin reflected on how his family’s notoriety affects his play, stating that he uses it as fuel.

“I always felt like I had something to prove growing up, and especially now when I’m playing in Pittsburgh,” Tomlin said. “In Pittsburgh, there’s a lot of attention that comes with it. People know you’re on the team before you even get off the bus. I’m always looking to prove that I’m supposed to be here.”

He eventually committed to Maryland in 2019, where he played two seasons despite not seeing much action due to the COVID-19 pandemic canceling certain games in 2020. Tomlin later decided to transfer to Boston College in 2022.

Tomlin immediately made a strong impression on coaches and teammates when he arrived on campus. BC head coach Jeff Hafley praised him for his attitude and willingness to buy into the program.

“Dino’s got that vibe when he walks into a room,” Hafley said. “He’s got that smile on his face and positive energy, and he just works his butt off constantly. He knows what (he’s) doing, and you can always trust him to be in the right place.”

Tomlin described himself as a flexible player who can compete wherever his coaches need him to.

“I try to know all sides of the field, so I can help if there is any situation where I might need to move, and also I want to be able to help the younger guys,” Tomlin said.

While Tomlin didn’t see much action in his first season with the Eagles, totaling 10 catches for 181 yards, he returned for his senior season. And Boston College needs him now more than ever.

During the Eagles’ 27-24 week 6 win over Virginia, O’Keefe suffered a neck injury on a collision with UVA cornerback Malcom Greene. He’s been sidelined ever since, with no timetable for his return.

Boston College quarterback Thomas Castellanos said that the injury was felt throughout the team.

“It was kinda tough,” Castellanos said. “I feel like it was tough for the guys as well, but especially just because we (Castellanos and O’Keefe) have a close relationship. He’s like a brother to me.”

O’Keefe’s departure left a void in the Eagles’ offense. So far this season, Tomlin has filled it. He has started in BC’s last five matchups and recorded 11 receptions for 168 receiving yards through eight games, nearly eclipsing his total offensive production from 2022.

This is Tomlin’s fifth and final year of NCAA eligibility. With time running out on his collegiate career, he is working to improve his NFL outlook and continue writing his chapter in the Tomlin football legacy.

“We can count on Dino, (we know) Dino is going to play, his teammates know that, and it’s really cool to see a guy step up like that,” Hafley said. “He’s a guy that is building a lot of trust with his teammates and his coaches, and I just cannot say enough about him as a person. You win with people like that.”

Published on November 2, 2023 at 12:00 am

Contact Matthew: mgray06@syr.edu