Mark Herzlich recently overcame Ewing’s Sarcoma and will return next season.

The Observer: You were named one of 16 semifinalists for the Butkus Award, given to the top linebacker in college football, despite not playing this season. What was your reaction to that? Were you at all surprised?

Mark Herzlich: I was very surprised and honored. I didn’t play a down this year, but I guess that they admired my courage and strength.

O: You received an honorary Lott Trophy, marking only the second time in the award’s history that it has been given as an honorary trophy. (The award is given to college football’s defensive IMPACT player of the year.) The chairman of the board of the IMPACT foundation said, “Mark Herzlich represents all that is good in today’s student-athlete and epitomizes what we look for in Lott Trophy candidates. His perseverance, attitude and good works are an inspiration to all of us who love college football.”

How does it feel to have that said about you? Are you proud of your accomplishments both on and off the field?

MH: I am proud of my accomplishments. It is tough to play football at a high level, and it is even harder to beat cancer. I was able to do both, and I am proud of that fact. Any time you get a compliment you are obviously flattered and thankful.

O: How much money have you raised so far for Uplifting Athletes? Will you continue to raise money after this season?

MH: I am not sure about the exact amount, but I think it is close to $200,000. I will continue to fight for the cause for not only next year, but for many years to come as well.

O: BC students have really supported the “Beat Cancer” campaign. How does it feel to know you have so many fellow students supporting you and wishing you well?

MH: The fact that everyone on campus has supported me so much and been behind me throughout this whole ordeal has helped me in my recovery and shows how genuine and caring the people on this campus really are.

O: Has it been difficult for you this season to have to watch from the sidelines when you want to be playing?

MH: It was hard at the start of the season, and then when you get it set in your mind that you will not play until next season, it becomes easier to accept.

O: You’ve called yourself an “assistant-assistant coach.” What would you say you do for this team in that role?

MH: Lately I have been scarcer from the field during the week because I have been home a lot for my last couple of chemo sessions. When I am there, however, I am someone that players can come to with questions about how to play defenses and different technique questions.

O: How has it been being the “assistant-assistant coach?” How would you sum up your coaching experience?

MH: It has been great to be a part of the team and to be on the sidelines. I have gotten much closer with the other coaches and have held the respect of my teammates as well.

O: When head coach Frank Spaziani gave you his yellow towel, what did that mean to you?

MH: It was my welcome back to the team after the tough summer that I had spent at home. It was very meaningful and symbolized to me how proud he was of me and how much the team was behind me.

O: Was there ever a moment where you considered not being on the field during games or not keeping up with your workouts, watching film, etc.?

MH: A couple of weeks, I have felt really terrible on Friday nights and was wondering if I could make it to the game or not. Every Saturday, though, I have woken up full of life and excitement.

O: Why do you think you’re so successful at motivating your teammates when they need a little extra motivation or pumping up the SuperFans when they get a little quiet?

MH: I have always been very emotional and excited about football. That excitement that I have can be transferred to others, and I have learned over the years how to accomplish that.

O: Do you think you’ve grown as a player at all, despite not playing, through coaching your fellow players?

MH: I think that if I had played I would have grown more as a player than I have by not playing, but staying around the game has helped me maintain my football knowledge.

O: Will BC see you back on the field in a #94 jersey in 2010?

MH: Yes, they will.

O: Did the idea of returning to the football field next season help you at all through your treatment?

MH: I would think about that every day. It was my goal.

O: When you envision a return to football, what do you see and how do you feel?

MH: I see myself running out of the tunnel with my team behind me and a sea of yellow in the stands. Words cannot describe that feeling.

O: Now that you’re cancer- free, how are you feeling about leaving the assistantassistant coach position behind and returning to the field as an intimidating linebacker?

MH: I cannot wait to be back playing on the field.

O: What record will the Eagles have at the end of this season?

MH: I can tell you that after this week we will be 8-3… that’s as far as I will go.