Mark Herzlich Will Bypass Signing With Omaha Nighthawks, Take Chances With NFL Free Agency

Mark Herzlich is saying, "Thanks, but no thanks," to the United Football League, deciding instead to try his luck as a free agent in the NFL. Herzlich, who was drafted last Monday by the Omaha Nighthawks with the No. 51 overall pick in the 2011 UFL Draft, told Sports Illustrated's Peter King that he will not sign with the Nighthawks and will instead pursue the NFL dream: 

"I think Mark Herzlich, the Boston College linebacker spurned by the NFL in the draft, will wait for the chance to sign with a team in free agency, whenever the league and players do a deal. He direct-tweeted me Sunday (what a country) that he'd bypass the Omaha Nighthawks -- he was drafted by the United Football League team Monday -- and wait for his chance to make a team as one of the undrafteds."

Of course, Herzlich's NFL dreams could quickly come to an end if there is no 2011 season because of the lockout. 

For more on Herzlich and all things Boston College, visit BC Interruption. 

Mark Herzlich Drafted By Omaha Nighthawks In 2011 UFL Draft

His name may have not been called at Radio City Music Hall in New York City over the weekend, but Mark Herzlich's name was tweeted Monday night, which means his football career will continue. 

Boston College's Herzlich, who was not taken in the 2011 NFL Draft and immediately became one of the top undrafted free agents, was selected in the 2011 United Football League Draft Monday night, drafted by the Omaha Nighthawks with the No. 51 overall pick. 

Texas A&M QB Jerrod Johnson was the No. 1 overall pick, taken by the Hartford Colonials.

The entire 2011 UFL Draft was held on Twitter -- really -- which is where head coach Joe Moglia let CNBC's Darren Rovell announced the Nighthawks had selected Herzlich. 

With the 51st pick in @theUFL Draft, Omaha selects BC LB Mark Herzlich. Incredible story. Go get 'em, Mark! #UFLDraft

Moglia added latter via his own Twitter that "Mark Herzlich is a special person and we feel a special football player ... We would like to offer Mark to opportunity to showcase his talents."

The United Football League began play in October of 2009, and currently is comprised of five teams: Harttford Colonials, Las Vegas Locomotives, Sacramento Mountain, Virginia Destroyers and, joining in 2010, the Omaha Nighthawks. 

THe Nighthawks went 3-5 in their debut season, finishing in last place. 

The eight-game 2011 UFL season, the third campaign in the league's history, will begin on the Aug. 12 weekend, with the championship game scheduled for Oct. 23.