Judging by his tweets, Mark Herzlich did a fine job yesterday trying to keep his mind off NFL cut-down day, watching and agonizing over every minute of Boston College’s 24-17 loss to Northwestern. Herzlich, a BC graduate, didn’t like the final result.
But he nevertheless enjoyed a day to remember.
The rookie linebacker, undrafted but very much a story, made the Giants roster. This is a storybook tale, considering he is a cancer survivor, having missed the entire 2009 season after being diagnosed with a form of bone cancer that attacked the femur in his left leg.
“Herzlich didn’t bat an eye the whole camp,” said coach Tom Coughlin, a huge fan of Herzlich. “Physically, he did everything you asked and more. I saw him improve literally week by week. He can play multiple positions. He’s very smart. He does an outstanding job on special teams. He’s told one time and he goes and does it. He deserves it.”
This was not a courtesy move. Herzlich is not the player he was in 2008 when he was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, but he is getting there. He came up with an interception in his second preseason game and a sack in his fourth. He can play strong side or middle linebacker and the Giants believe the further removed he gets from cancer the stronger he will become.
Giants ownership, the front office and the coaching staff all admitted they were rooting hard for him. Herzlich made enough plays to earn a spot in a crowded young linebacker corps that took a hit when Clint Sintim went down with a season-ending right knee injury in the preseason finale. That might have opened the door for Herzlich and another undrafted rookie, Spencer Paysinger, who also made the cut. In addition, two draft picks, Greg Jones and Jacquian Williams, made it, putting four rookie linebackers on the team.
“The best thing that they did was play special teams, though Jones was pretty solid in there as a middle ‘backer, too,” Coughlin said. “But the other guys flashed the other night. Paysinger made a couple of nice physical plays. Herzlich had an outstanding sack and did a nice job on special teams. Williams had a big night — he came off the edge very well and played very well on special teams. He got a big block on the punt return. Herzlich did, too. They continue to get better.”