ACC 2008 DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR HERZLICH BATTLING CANCER

From ACC NOW: Boston College linebacker Mark Herzlich, the 2008 ACC defensive player of the year, made a shocking announcement Thursday.He disclosed that he has been diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma, a malignant tumor most often found in bone or soft tissue."Obviously, I was shocked," Herzlich said in a statement released by Boston College."I had been extremely focused on preparing for my senior season at Boston College and for life beyond that. Now, I must channel all that energy into facing my toughest opponent yet, and that is exactly what I will do."Herzlich said he will return home to Pennsylvania for tests to determine the best course of action for treatment. He asked for his privacy to be respected.Coach Frank Spaziani released a statement saying the Boston College community was "stunned.""His integrity, determination and focus are unmatched. I know he will face this challenge with that same attitude," Spaziani said.