By: Nicole Battaglia, YawkeyTalkies Correspondent

While the beginning of August usually means vacation time for most New Englanders, it marks the beginning of preseason practices for the Boston College Eagles football squad. 2009 was a solid year for the Maroon and Gold, going 8-5 and making an appearance in the Emerald Bowl against USC. As head coach Frank Spaziani heads into his second year with the program, the Eagles have a good chance to lock up the ACC Atlantic division.

Boston College’s biggest question mark heading into this season is All-American linebacker Mark Herzlich. Herzlich was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma in early 2009 and stayed sidelined for the entire season. He is now cancer-free and determined to make a comeback in 2010, but after a year without football, it is uncertain how he will respond. Considering he just beat cancer; you can assume he is going to approach his final season with BC with the same tenacity. If Herzlich can return to his sophomore year form, coupled with fellow All-American Luke Kuechly, the Eagles could have a very dangerous linebacking core. However, he’s already facing one setback with a stress fracture in his foot, but says he’ll be ready for the September [...]