PA linebacker has early top five

Mark Herzlich is one of the top middle linebackers in Pennsylvania for 2006.

The prospect out of Berwyn (Pa.) Conestoga has received interest from schools including Virginia, Michigan, Rutgers, Syracuse, Miami, Boston College, Stanford, Indiana, North Carolina and Duke. Herzlich is also hoping to hear from Ohio State too.

This season the 6-foot-4, 240-pounder helped Conestoga to an 11-1 record as they reached the second round of the playoffs. He posted 145 tackles, three sacks, three interceptions and a blocked punt. He went on to be named defensive MVP for Conestoga, first team all-central, first team all-midline and first team all-Chester County.

"We did really well, personally I made strides since last year," he said. "I improved on my run stopping as well as my speed and coverage ability."

So who leads for Herzlich's services?

"It's probably Virginia, Boston College, North Carolina, Penn State and Miami," Herzlich said. "These are some of the schools I've visited, also I kind of like the ACC and I think being closer to home would be nice."

Two other things Herzlich is looking for out of a school are a good football team and a nice environment.

"I don't like city schools, I'd rather look for a college town and I'd like to know the coaching style because I'm going to be looking for a more aggressive defense."

Herzlich has already unofficially visited Virginia, North Carolina, Duke and Boston College. So what does he think about these schools?

"I really liked Virginia because they have a college town, while Boston College is a small school just outside of Boston which is a great city. North Carolina and Duke have beautiful campuses that they are known for and one thing all the schools have are great facilities."

With a 4.0 GPA, Herzlich may be able to graduate early and attend school in spring, is this something he is considering?

"I'm not sure, if it gives me the opportunity to learn the defense and improve my physical ability to play with those guys. I may, but I don't know if I'd like to miss the end of my senior year."

This summer, Herzlich is looking at attending camps at Virginia and Boston College, but he mentioned others may be on tap too.