Boston College Athletics
Herzlich and Raji Named All-Americans
December 16, 2008 | Football
Dec. 16, 2008
CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. - Junior LB Mark Herzlich and senior DT B.J. Raji were named to the Associated Press All-America Third Team, announced December 16. The duo leads a Boston College defense that ranks in the top 10 nationally in seven different categories.
Herzlich was also named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and was a finalist for the Butkus Award. Both he and Raji were first team all-conference selections.
Herzlich leads the Boston College defense with 105 tackles, 79 solo tackles, seven pass break-ups, six interceptions, and a pair of forced fumbles. He ranks fifth in the nation in solo tackles per game with 6.08.
Herzlich's six interceptions this season ties the amount that all BC linebackers had in 2007. He owns the fifth highest interception total in the country (four are tied with seven) and is one of just two linebackers in the nation with six interceptions. He is one of four linebackers in the country with two interception returns for touchdowns.
Raji has been a force in the middle of the BC defensive line. He has accumulated 73 tackles on the season and leads the Eagles with 13 tackles for a loss and seven sacks. Raji has also recorded four pass break-ups and three quarterback hurries.
Their presence in the front seven has anchored one of the best defenses in the country. The Eagles have picked off a FBS-best 26 passes this year and lead the nation with 36 turnovers gained. BC ranks sixth in the country in total defense (273.38) and red zone defense (.71) and seventh in rushing defense (92.2) and pass efficiency defense (98.71). The Eagles are also ninth in first downs defense (15.23) and 19th in scoring defense (18.5).
