Boston College was in dire need of a leader under center. Patrick Towles was looking for a new opportunity. It was the “perfect fit.”

Towles, who threw for over 5,000 yards and 24 touchdowns in two-plus years with Kentucky, announced his transfer from the Wildcats’ program not long after the 2015 season concluded. Eagles coach Steve Addazio hadn’t considered bringing in another graduate transfer at quarterback, but after finishing 3-9 (0-8 ACC) with the No. 121-ranked scoring offense in the nation (17.2 points per game) the third-worst total yards output (275.6 ypg), and the 124th team passer efficiency rating (92.8), something had to give.

Addazio jumped on the phone with UK coach Mark Stoops and spent due diligence reviewing Towles’ film. It didn’t take long for him to realize that this was a move he wanted to pursue.

Thus the marriage began. And the honeymoon stage has been great so far.

“Natural-born leader,” star linebacker Matt Milano said of his new teammate, according to SECCountry.com. “Just his presence. The way he talks. The way he came in. He fit right in with the organization. The players like him. The people like him. It was a positive first impression.”

Towles had an up-and-down career with Kentucky, but put together his best performance in 2014 when he completed 225-of-392 (57.4 percent) of his pass attempts for 2,718 yards, 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions. The Wildcats ended up losing their final six games of the year and missed out on a bowl game, but Towles stood out and had big moments against some of the nation’s top defenses — he tossed 759 yards and five touchdowns against Florida (No. 19 scoring defense) and Mississippi State (No. 23).

It’s possible that with a fresh start and a new system that Boston College can get more of that guy in 2016.

“It’s tough to come in any times as a transfer, but if you’re coming in as a quarterback, you’re expected to be a leader of the team,” running back Myles Willis said. “It takes a special type of guy to be able to come in and do that. It worked well with Tyler [Murphy], and hopefully it works well with Patrick Towles.”

Towles will have to earn the starting position as he continues to compete with redshirt sophomore Darius Wade — Boston College’s starter last season — throughout fall camp, but OurLads.com currently lists him as the No. 1 option heading into the month of August.