Mark Herzlich went through a lot during his time at Boston College, going from one of the nation's best collegiate linebackers to a cancer patient fighting a terrible disease.
Yet even though Herzlich was able to make a remarkable recovery and play in every game for the Boston College Eagles last season, it wasn't enough for him to be drafted over the weekend in the 2011 NFL Draft. What a shame.
Herzlich was naturally disappointed that he went undrafted, but he understood the reasoning behind the draft snub.
"When it happens, if it happens, they'll call me,'' said Herzlich yesterday morning before the business of selecting players began for the day. "I'm not confused by what happened [to his draft status]. I understand it completely. I know where I would have been picked if I were healthy. The big thing is for me to get to an NFL camp and prove myself. I would have to do that anyway. It doesn't matter.''
The call never came, and with the NFL lockout back on, Herzlich will have to wait for his chance to play at the next level.
"I am very disappointed,'' said Herzlich last night after a long day of waiting. "And got more frustrated as the day went on.'' (via Boston Globe)
For more on the New England Patriots and their draft, head over to Pats Pulpit. And for all things 2011 NFL Draft related, from the first pick to Mr. Irrelevant and everything in between, check out SB Nation's 2011 NFL Draft Hub and our NFL Draft blog, Mocking The Draft.