Eagles' Football Players Talk to "The Observer" | The Observer at Boston College

The Jay McGillis Spring Football Game was played last Saturday, and the Jay McGilis scholarship is annually awarded to a deserving defensive player. While everyone knows the name of the spring game, not everyone knows who Jay McGilis was.

Jay McGilis was a sophomore safety for Boston College in 1991 when Tom Coughlin took over as head coach. McGilis was undersized and not the fastest, but he listened to his coaches and worked harder than other players. McGilis was diagnosed with leukemia and lymphoma in November, received a bone transplant the following April, but lost his battle on July 3, 1992.

This year the Jay McGilis scholarship was awarded to senior cornerback DeLeon Gause. Another Eagle player who has battled cancer is Mark Herzlich, and while he didn’t play in the spring game, he is set to make his return in the first home game on September 4 against Weber State. Ironically, number 94 will be making his highly-anticipated return on 9/4.

Players like Luke Kuechly think Herzlich’s return will add confidence to the team, and the players are in agreement that next season looks like it could shape up to be a good one. Five players talked to “The Observer” about next season’s toughest game, what it will take to make it to the ACC Championship Game, following up outstanding personal seasons, and the Holy War coming to Chestnut Hill.

DeLeon Gause:

O: You were named the recipient of the Jay McGillis Memorial Scholarship, awarded annually to a deserving defensive player. What does that mean to you? Why do you think you were awarded the scholarship?

DG: The Jay McGillis scholarship is a great honor, and it is a significant achievement. It is special because it speaks to the character of the athlete, as well as his play on the field. I have worked hard on and off the field and have been blessed to do it at a high level with the help of my teammates and staff support.

O: Last season, you started 10 games and played in all 13. You led the team with four pass break ups and recovered a fumble, and you also finished the year fifth on the team with 49 tackles (33 solo). In what ways can you improve for next season?

DG: I definitely feel I can help my team even more this upcoming year by creating more turnovers for the team and turning them into scores. A defense that creates stops and turnovers is an offenses best friend, so I want to lead by example in that category.

Mark Herzlich:

O: You didn’t play in the spring game. Do you feel like you’re doing well in terms of getting back to the shape you were in before your diagnosis? Will you be able to play in the season opener against Weber State on September 4?

MH: Yes, I feel good. They just didn’t want me to risk an injury in the spring game. I will be ready for the Weber State game.

O: The NFL draft was just last week, did you think at all about what if you hadn’t had cancer that sidetracked your football career, maybe where you would have been in the draft? Do you think you’ll eventually play in the NFL or has cancer changed that?

MH: I don’t know where I would have been in the draft, but I think that I will be able to play again if I have another good season this year.

Luke Kuechly:

O: You had a standout freshman season. You started in 12 games and appeared in all 13. You were named ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year and All-ACC First Team. You earned ACC Player of the Week honors three times. You were ranked second in the country in total tackles (158) and solo stops (87). You had the most tackles by a BC defender since 1993 and you earned Defensive Player of the Game honors against USC in the Emerald Bowl with 16 tackles. How do you follow up that kind of breakout season?

LK: I think the main thing is to stay focused on what we are trying to do as a team and that is getting back to the ACC Championship game. Really more than anything, I need to keep learning from the older guys on the team and the coaches so that I can keep growing as a player. I still make a bunch of mistakes that a lot of people may not see, and I need to cut down on those mistakes.

O: Last year, Mark Herzlich was sidelined with cancer, it was the first season Coach Spaz was the head coach, and the quarterback position was up in the air after Dominique Davis transferred. Despite that, you guys still made it to a bowl game. Do you think next year will be an even better season for you guys with some of last season’s issues resolved?

LK: I do think that next year will be a better year. We return a bunch of guys on both sides of the ball, and, like you said, Mark Herzlich will be back, which will definitely help out the defensive side of the ball. His leadership and knowledge of the game will bring confidence to the team. The offense will also be a year older and will have more confidence. I think that next year will be a good year for us.

Montel Harris:

O: You rank 10th all-time at BC in carries (487) and rushing yards (2,357). You had a really outstanding 2009 season. You started all 13 games and recorded eight 100-yard games, the fifth-most in a single season at BC. You ranked second in the ACC in rushing and 18th in the country. You finished the season with five-straight 100-yard games, which is the tied for the third most in a row at BC. You rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries against USC in the Emerald Bowl. Do you feel any pressure to maintain that high level of play next season? Where do you think there’s room for improvement?

MH: I wouldn’t say it is pressure on me to do better, but it is important for me to continue to get better to help my team achieve our goals next year. So I feel it is my responsibility to work hard in the off season to work on my pass protection, break away speed, and to be a better leader to help lead BC to a win in the ACC Championship game.

O: Last season, you guys lost to USC in the Emerald Bowl. What do you think needs to happen for you guys to make it to and win a bowl game this season?

MH: For us to win a bowl game next year, we must not make mental mistakes, and we have to execute. If we do that, we will be in the Orange Bowl.

Dominick LeGrande:

O: Last season you appeared in 12 of 13 games and started six. You had your first career interception, as well as 36 tackles (27 solo). What do you think will be a key to you getting more tackles and interceptions next season?

DL: I think just to keep working hard and mastering my technique, as well as reading the offense and knowing how they will try to attack us.

O: The Holy War will come to Chestnut Hill next season. After losing to Notre Dame last year, do you think you guys will be able to win in October? Will playing at home give you any advantage? Who do you think will be your toughest opponent next season?

DL: Well, it’s never good when we lose to Notre Dame, but that loss is kind of still haunting everybody, so yeah, we’ll be very prepared for that game next year. It being at home only makes it better because of that sweet home field advantage. When I think of our toughest opponent, Virginia Tech comes to mind because they’re just a really well-coached team with some outstanding players who make plays. They’re number five in the country so it’s not going to be an easy task.

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