Boston College Athletics
Herzlich Named Finalist For Rudy Award
December 14, 2010 | Football
Dec. 14, 2010
Senior LB Mark Herzlich has been named one of three finalists for the Fourth Annual College Football Rudy Awards, announced Tuesday by the Rudy Foundation.
The award honors student-athletes who demonstrate exemplary character, courage, contribution and commitment as members of their collegiate football teams. The two other finalists are Nebraska's Alex Henery and NC State's Michael Lemon.
After the 2008 season in which Herzlich was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year, he was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. The 2009 season was over for Herzlich, and many thought his career. But through the strength of his character, courage and commitment, he fought the disease and has returned to the field as a starter once again.
Herzlich battled back and is third on the team with 60 tackles and 47 solo stops. He is second on the squad with four interceptions and four pass breakups. He also has 3.5 tackles for a loss and a forced fumble.
The three finalists will be honored and the overall winner announced during the Priority Payment Systems Awards Ceremony, to be held in conjunction with the American Football Coaches Association Convention on January 11, 2011, at the Hilton Anatole Hotel, in Dallas, Texas. Rudy Ruettiger will personally present each individual with a classic finalist award and an academic scholarship will be made in his name to the general scholarship fund of his college or university. The overall winner will be presented with the bronze Rudy Award trophy and top scholarship.
Finalists are chosen by the national selection committee consisting of such esteemed sports figures as Barry Alvarez, David Bailiff, Gary Barnett, Fisher DeBerry, Dennis Franchione, June Jones, Chuck Knox, Gary Patterson, Buddy Pough, Jackie Sherrill, Dick Tomey, Doug Williams and Peter Murphy, who serves as Chairman of the committee. Committee members are prohibited from voting for the nominee from the schools they are currently affiliated with. The selection process also incorporates a fan vote for supporters of the College Football Rudy Awards, which accounts for one vote on the Selection Committee. This year 826,621 fans voted for the award.
