He doesn't have a Greek God-esque name, nor does he have a catchy Urban Dictionary catch-phrase named after him. He doesn't get headlines playing at Linebacker U, and he won't be heir to a famous linebacker's number 55 at that famous West Coast school.
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He’s not even the most talked about linebacker on his team. Nope, in fact, even his name, German for 'full of heart', doesn't send chills down any running back's spine. Until they meet him up close and personal for the first time.
While Rey Maualuga and James Laurinaitis are collecting Butkus Award bandwagoners faster than the Buckeyes can say “AP freefall”, Boston College’s Mark Herzlich is quietly amassing some eye-popping stats that should cause NFL scouts to stack up those frequent flier miles and free peanut bags after a few Saturday trips to Beantown.
School's not out on the Naguski, Butkus, or Lott Trophies—not just yet—not if this talented linebacker has something to say about it.
Not convinced? Let’s let some of the stats do the talking. During his sophomore season in 2007, Herzlich had 97 tackles (second most on team), 1.5 sacks, 10.5 tackles for a loss, four passes broken up, and one interception. Herzlich, on the Butkus and Lott watch lists, opened 2008 with eight tackles and an interception.
He followed that performance with a dominating effort against Georgia Tech, where he had 13 tackles, one for a loss, plus a forced fumble. A man on a mission from the opening kickoff—Herzlich’s name was a broken record over the loudspeaker.
What is the most impressive thing about Herzlich is his ability to stay with the play, every play. He's wherever the ball is. He's the guy who makes the tackle play after play. He’s there before the play even unfolds.
Quietly, deadly, like a sniper in a duck shooting gallery. He doesn't need flashy tattoos or a controversial sound-byte to get attention. He lets his game do the talkin’. Every lineman knows where he is, every ball carrier knows he's the guy who will make him pay for those precious yards.
Yeah, he's the kid you want to bring home to mom, but also want standing at the front door when your daughter is late coming home from a date.
While the ACC may not be impressing the pollsters at the current time, the talent is no doubt still present. In 2008 alone, the ACC had 33 players drafted by the NFL.
Herzlich, whose biggest strength is that he can easily adapt to either the Sam, Mike or Will position—something that impresses all NFL scouts—currently leads the ACC in tackles per game with 10.5.
Mark Herzlich is just another reason why Boston College will be put on the map again.
Sure, Doug Flutie's nephew plays for the team. The legendary names of the Screaming Eagles will forever be immortalized by Doug Flutie and newest NFL flame-thrower, Matt Ryan. But Herzlich is bound to be even a bigger legend if his success continues. After all, while offense wins games, defense wins championships.
Mark Herzlich, BC’s best kept secret—full of heart and one tough SLB.
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2 months ago
To be honest, I don't know much about him. This article makes me want to watch ACC football. That takes a lot. It's a great read and not at all a recycled topic.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks man - that's basically what I was going for. He had another decent game on Saturday, though this time, was overshadowed by his teammate Brian Toal, who had 13 tackles. Anyway, their D is solid, and the kid can play.
2 months ago
You are a helluva writer Kev. Five stars!
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Lise, you're too kind.
2 months ago
Great article. I learned a lot about Mark Herzlich and I will now be looking for his name being called on Saturdays.
Definitely sounds like a bright spot in the ACC that definitely needs it at this time.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Jeff!
Yes, you should look out for him - and down the road, I won't be shocked to hear his name called on Sundays too. He can play, and BC's D is solid.
2 months ago
The editorial definitely does what it sets about to do: sell Herzlich.
I'll keep an eye out for him on Saturdays + see if he brings his lunch-pail and heart, and maybe, as you suggest, win over a few daughters along the way. You mention eye-popping stats on the field, but do you know about his numbers in the weightroom? If he doesn't get his due, perhaps the combine will be where this Workout Warrior separates himself from the competition.
from 2 months ago
All you really have to do is watch one BC game. Wherever the ball ends up - that's where you will find Herzlich. On defense and special teams.
And he is a junior. By this time next season, he will be in the top 5 LBs on Kiper's board, and any 3-4 team looking for a Mike Vrabel clone with better speed will be all over him in the first round. Pittsburgh, New England, Miami, NY Jets and Dallas seem likely destinations.
from about 1 month ago
I do not have exact numbers on the weight room - scouting sites have info listed, but you can't always count on them to be entirely accurate. Going forward, I may try and get some of that info, as I'm quite curious - not just for him, but for some of the others on the team. I just have watched him play while covering the team and he's everywhere - and has experience playing all three LB positions. He had another solid game on Saturday, though Brian Toal stole the show statistically. He's another talented LB for BC.
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