Two ACC linebackers look to come back better after missing last season

College Football

Two ACC linebackers look to come back better after missing last season

Jul 28, 2010

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There wasn't a better sight at the ACC Kickoff than N.C. State's Nate Irving and Boston College's Mark Herzlich laughing and joking with each other.

Both all-star linebackers missed last season with medical issues and both are thankful to play again.

When Nate Irving and Mark Herzlich met at the Kickoff they never had to discuss their similar experiences.

“No, I think we know and we followed each other’s story,” Irving said. “We’ve been asked about each other enough to know what’s been going on.”

“Just the fact that Nate and I are both here, shows a lot about the fight that we’ve both gone though,” said Herzlick.

2008 was a big year for both linebackers. Irving pounded ball-carriers in a breakthrough year at N.C. State and Herzlick was the ACC defensive player of the year at Boston College.

But before last season, Irving suffered a near fatal car accident and doctors found cancer in Herzlick’s knee and leg, neither one played in 2009.

“You’re almost embarrassed,” said Herzlich, “which is kind of an odd word to think about when you have a disease that’s uncontrollable.”

Despite the pain of having to watch and rehab last season, both agreed they are better men because of it.

“After my accident I realized I took life for granted, you know the small things so it made you appreciate so much more,” said Irving.

“I do as many media things as I can just to get my story out,” Herzlich said, “to make people see that there is a possibility of hope.”

Irving and Herzlich have recovered to take the field for their senior years but and both think they will come back better.

“I got a saying where you never stay the same you either get worse or you get better and I’m trying to exceed 2008,” said Irving.

Herzlich agreed.

“You can’t come out on the field and strive to be anything less than the best, not only your best but the best.”

Reporter: Jason Jennings
Web Editor: Erin Summers

Most Recent Comments

RE: Two ACC linebackers look to come back better after missing last season

I dont' care what team you root for, how can you not hope these guys succeed. I for one am a huge Irving fan, but the BC guy - able to bounce back from cancer - impressive. #94 will get a standing O from me next time he enters Carter Finley - no doubt

RE: Two ACC linebackers look to come back better after missing last season

Thanks, jgunn. I'm glad to see both of these guys back, although I do hope Herzlich has one bad game this year -- on October 9th. :)
- Posted by TruthBKnown Returns

I was thinking the same about Nate when he plays my Heels:-)

RE: Two ACC linebackers look to come back better after missing last season

They both seem like nice young men. I wish the best for both of them.

RE: Two ACC linebackers look to come back better after missing last season

I heard a couple of State players interviewed on The Fan this morning. They were asked who they would go to or what they would do in a must have 3rd and 15 situation. They joked around. When the hosts pressed them for an answer, they said it was too complicated. Too complicated for a radio host who PLAYED football and a radio host who has watched and covered many, many years of football? Then they gave an answer that indicated they had NO IDEA. Simply relying on their athleticism, with no brains. These guys did GRADUATE high school... didn't they?
- Posted by DeathRow-IFeelYourPain-NOT

It was a dumb question, and we're still a month and a half away from the start of football season. I wouldn't expect them to give a straight answer to a dumb question like that.

Additionally, it's quite possible they weren't supposed to discuss strategies or give something away.

Whatever the case, I'm not sure your assessment fits their comments. Besides, they may have been high anyway. ;)

RE: Two ACC linebackers look to come back better after missing last season

I heard a couple of State players interviewed on The Fan this morning. They were asked who they would go to or what they would do in a must have 3rd and 15 situation. They joked around. When the hosts pressed them for an answer, they said it was too complicated. Too complicated for a radio host who PLAYED football and a radio host who has watched and covered many, many years of football? Then they gave an answer that indicated they had NO IDEA. Simply relying on their athleticism, with no brains. These guys did GRADUATE high school... didn't they?

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