Herzlich gets ACC's backing

BC LB conference's top defensive player

Mark Herzlich has been the anchor of the BC defense this season. (Jim Davis/Globe Staff)

It is an individual award, but yesterday it was shared by the team.

The Atlantic Coast Conference announced yesterday that Boston College outside linebacker Mark Herzlich had been selected defensive player of the year.

For the 6-foot-4-inch, 238-pound junior, it was an exclamation point on a season that has produced an unexpected 9-3 record and a spot in Saturday's ACC title game against Virginia Tech for the second consecutive year.

"I don't think I expected it to go this well," said Herzlich, who made the switch from weak-side to strong-side linebacker during the spring. "After the first couple of games, I felt very comfortable there."

But the comfort level, said Herzlich, was aided by a defense that has given strong performances week after week.

"The way our defense is designed, it doesn't give one player free rein," said Herzlich, who leads the Eagles in tackles (98) and interceptions (6). "I've been getting help from the defensive line and the secondary, which has given me a chance to make some plays."

Herzlich reiterated that his intention is to come back for his senior season.

"You look at the competition at the linebacker position is very high," he said. "There are some top-notch linebackers, all of them seniors. You look at the next [NFL] draft class, and hopefully, it will pan out."

But then Herzlich, whose draft status has climbed rapidly this season, said, "I have thought about [leaving a year early]. I haven't got all the information yet because I've been focusing on Tampa [the site of Saturday's game]. But you have to do what's best for you sometimes."

Herzlich will no doubt ponder his future after Saturday's game, and after BC's bowl game. With the announcements of the Chick-fil-A Bowl selecting Georgia Tech and the Gator Bowl taking Florida State as ACC representatives, the Eagles' destination is down to two choices.

Win Saturday and the Eagles will go to the Orange Bowl as the ACC champion, most likely to face Big East champion Cincinnati. Lose and the Eagles will travel to Nashville for a New Year's Eve engagement with a Southeastern Conference team (likely Kentucky) in the Music City Bowl.

"The biggest difference was that last year we were excited to get [to the ACC championship game]," said Herzlich. "I don't think this team is feeling the same way."

Eagles coach Jeff Jagodzinski addressed the issue earlier this week, asking how many of his players were excited to be in the ACC title game last year. "Almost everyone raised their hand," said Herzlich.

Then Jagodzinski asked how many of the players were excited about being in this year's game, and almost no hands were raised.

"We have been there before," said Herzlich, who is part of a group of linebackers that includes captain Mike McLaughlin and Robert Francois. "This is a big step. But the next step needs to be made in the process and this is the year."

For the veterans, playing in the ACC title game is no longer the final destination.

"Last year, we were happy in the game," said junior wide receiver Rich Gunnell. "Now that's not enough. We need to win it."

"The only thing on our mind is winning the ACC championship," said McLaughlin. "Last year, it was nice to get there. This year, our motto has been to just win."

Georgia Tech running back Jonathan Dwyer was named ACC player of the year and offensive player of the year . . . The Eagles will wrap up game preparations this afternoon before flying to Tampa. They will have a walkthrough at Raymond James Stadium tomorrow . . . Jagodzinski said redshirt freshman linebacker Dan Williams is questionable for the game because of a head injury . . . Brad Newman was working with both the offense (backup fullback) and defense (end). "It's more a matter of necessity than anything else," said Jagodzinski . . . Kevin Akins has moved into a starting role at cornerback over Roderick Rollins . . . The Eagles have an allotment of 10,000 tickets for the game, although athletic director Gene DeFilippo said the ACC helps absorb some of the financial cost if the school can't sell all of its tickets . . . Jagodzinski expects defensive tackle Ron Brace (foot) and running back Josh Haden (shoulder) to play.

Mark Blaudschun can be reached at blaudschun@globe.com.