(Sandon) Mark Herzlich
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Outside Linebacker 6’4” 239 lbs. Senior Boston College Strengths – size, pass rushing skills, instincts Weakness – Lateral Movement, ‘tweener By John L. Clarke |
All American Sandon Mark Herzlich Jr., yes Sandon, is the top linebacker prospect for the 2010 NFL Draft at the moment. I doubt that changes too much during the course of the 2010 season, but stranger things have happened.
His sophomore year you saw him start to come into his own as he posted 97 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception and also forced two fumbles.
Herzlich had a great junior campaign as he had 110 tackles (13 for loss), 3 sacks, 6 interceptions and 8 pass breakups. He was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year for his efforts along several other prestigious awards. His football skills are undeniable, but replicating those numbers may be a little harder this year.
Herzlich is headed into his senior year without his two massive defensive tackles that protected him last year. With Ron Brace and B.J. Raja now in the NFL, Herzlich is going to see more double teams from pulling guards, tight ends and tackles. This will be a hard year for Herzlich, as he also has to deal with several starters on defense already dealing with injuries from last year and this spring.
Herzlich has great instincts and makes plays downhill, which suggests he is better at stopping the run, but he is well balanced as his 7 career interceptions show. He is average at man to man skills, but excels in zone coverage and has a real keen sense of how to shadow opponents and lure quarterbacks into bad throws.
He shows he can cause disruption when he blitzes, but must develop a more vast array of pass rushing moves. He is quick and strong and tends to use both when rushing the passer, but good tackles are going to catch on quickly. He reminds me of Chris Long, formerly a defensive end for the University of Virginia. Both have high motors and beat you with intelligence with a blend of aggressive attitude rather than pure athleticism.
UPDATE:
As I was writing this profile, it was announced that Herzlich was diagnosed with a rare cancer, Ewing Sarcoma, which is in his leg. He will miss his senior season at Boston College and will decide on his professional playing career only after he beats this cancer. Doctor’s are not certain he will be able to play football again, since the treatment involves removing the tumor from his leg as well as chemotherapy radiation. He remains positive as he focuses on appreciating every day, and getting healthy. He is quoted as saying, “From what the doctor’s have been saying, they don’t think it’s too promising coming back…the doctor’s may know the cancer but they don’t really know me.” (NESN.com, 6/1/09, Jayme Parker reporting).
For now, he plans on receiving treatment both in his hometown in Pennsylvania and in Boston, while finishing up his degree and rooting for his teammates.
We here at NFL Draft Dog send our thoughts and prayers to Mark and his family as he battles this disease.