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Cancer free, Mark Herzlich ready for NFL

Boston College’s Mark Herzlich speaks with the media Sunday at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. (Mocking the Draft)
Boston College’s Mark Herzlich speaks with the media Sunday at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. (Mocking the Draft)
Boston College’s Mark Herzlich speaks with the media Sunday at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. (Mocking the Draft)

Boston College linebacker Mark Herzlich, now fully back from having cancer, is excited for a full offseason of training.

BC's first game came only a short time after Herzlich was cleared to play football. So leading up to his senior season, he didn't have a lot of time to train or practice.

"I haven't had an offseason to get my strength back," Herzlich said. "This month I've had off, the gains I've made have been incredible. I envision that progressing even more for when I step on the field."

Herzlich said the time off helped his patience, which benefited him while studying film.

Herzlich admitted at the NFL Combine Sunday he didn’t envision an NFL future until he won the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2008.
At BC, Herzlich played all three linebacker spots. He sees that as an advantage as he transitions to the NFL.
“Now, I know I can play every position and scouts can see that,” he said. “It will definitely help me later because I can learn things quicker.”
One thing that Herzlich has quickly learned in the NFL Draft process is that he’ll have to address his medical history with every team.
“You’re kind of forced to relive your past,” Herzlich said. “But it’s not a problem. Yeah, I had issues, I had cancer. It wasn’t like a bad decision. It made me a better person.”

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